Tom Semaan’s Deep Roots in New Baltimore
In the heart of New Baltimore, Michigan, a small town nestled along the shores of Anchor Bay, Mayor Tom Semaan stands as a testament to the enduring power of community, family, and hard work. Elected mayor in 2021 and reelected in 2023, Semaan’s story is inseparable from the town he serves—a place where his family’s roots run deep, anchored by their Chaldean heritage, a historic small business, and decades of civic engagement.
A Family’s Journey to New Baltimore
Tom Semaan’s connection to New Baltimore began in 1963, when he was just three years old. His father, Aziz Semaan, had immigrated from Iraq to Detroit in 1929, seeking opportunity in America. In 1949, Aziz married Shammemta Shaouni Semaan, and together they built a life in Detroit. However, by the early 1960s, a friend’s warning about Detroit’s declining safety prompted Aziz to make a pivotal decision: he purchased a grocery store in New Baltimore and relocated his growing family to the small town. This move would shape the Semaan family’s legacy and Tom’s lifelong commitment to his community.
The Semaans settled above their new venture, Art & Mary’s Market, a cornerstone of downtown New Baltimore. For Tom and his ten siblings, six of whom still reside in the Anchor Bay area, the market was more than a business—it was a classroom in hard work, integrity, and community connection. Growing up in the store, Tom learned the value of serving others, a lesson that would guide his career in public service.
Check out Tom seated third from the left !
Art & Mary’s Market: A Community Hub
Art & Mary’s Market was one of New Baltimore’s original small businesses, a place where locals gathered not just to shop but to share stories and build relationships. Named after Aziz and Shammemta (affectionately known as Mary), the market was a reflection of the Semaan family’s warmth and dedication. For years, it stood as a symbol of the town’s close-knit spirit, offering fresh goods and a welcoming atmosphere in an era before big-box stores.
To this day, Shammemta Semaan, now in her later years, recalls the “good days gone by” with a nostalgic smile. She remembers the bustle of the market, the laughter of her children helping out after school, and the gratitude of customers who felt like family. Though the market is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on in the Semaan family’s contributions to New Baltimore and in Shammemta’s vivid memories of a time when their store was the heartbeat of downtown.
A Family Woven into the Community
The Semaan family’s engagement in New Baltimore extends far beyond their business. Raised with a strong sense of Chaldean heritage, Tom and his siblings were taught by their parents to balance cultural pride with American values. Aziz, a proud American who never forgot his roots, instilled in his children the importance of honesty, faith, and community service. These values became the foundation of Tom’s life and leadership.
Of Tom’s ten siblings, many have remained active in the Anchor Bay area, contributing to the town’s growth and vitality. While some pursued careers elsewhere, their shared upbringing above Art & Mary’s Market kept them tied to New Baltimore’s spirit. The family’s presence in the town was once unique—Tom recalls a time when they were the only Chaldean family in New Baltimore. Today, dozens of Chaldean families call the area home, a testament to the welcoming community the Semaans helped foster.
Tom’s own involvement in New Baltimore is extensive. A resident for over six decades, he served as a volunteer firefighter for nearly 30 years, earning the Fireman of the Year award in 2010. He has been a member of the New Baltimore Lions Club, New Baltimore Goodfellows, Sons of AMVETS Post 52, and the New Baltimore Civic Club. His political career began at age 27, when he was elected to the city council in 1987, serving as Mayor Pro-Tem and head of the finance committee until 1991. These experiences, coupled with his upbringing in a family dedicated to service, prepared him for his role as mayor.
Leading with Family Values
When Tom Semaan ran for mayor in 2021, he campaigned on a platform of community over politics. His vision was shaped by the lessons of his parents: listen to people, work hard, and bring others together. Defeating incumbent John Dupray by a narrow margin, Semaan brought an open-door policy to the mayor’s office, encouraging residents to share their ideas for New Baltimore’s future. His reelection in 2023, running unopposed, underscored the trust he had earned.
As mayor, Semaan has focused on balanced growth, infrastructure improvements, and supporting local businesses—values that echo his family’s legacy at Art & Mary’s Market. He has helped develop the city’s waterfront, attract new businesses, and balance the budget, even returning a surplus to the general fund. His leadership reflects the same community-first ethos that defined his parents’ store, where every customer was valued and every connection mattered.
A Legacy of Roots and Resilience
Tom Semaan’s story is one of deep roots and quiet resilience. From the shelves of Art & Mary’s Market to the mayor’s office, he carries forward the lessons of his parents, Aziz and Shammemta, and the support of his siblings. His wife, Sally DeWulf, whom he married in 1982, and their three adult children—Sara, Peter, and Nicholas—share his love for New Baltimore, further extending the family’s legacy.
For Shammemta, the memories of Art & Mary’s Market remain a source of pride and joy. She sees in her son’s leadership the same spirit that once filled their store: a commitment to serving others and building a stronger community. As New Baltimore continues to grow, Tom Semaan’s leadership ensures that the town remains a place where families like his can put down roots, thrive, and remember the good days gone by.
