Meet the Write-In Candidate: Kristyn Taylor

  Fighting your way through the City Council primary is a tough job for even the most well-funded and experienced candidate. But Kristyn Taylor, the only actively campaigning write-in candidate, has an uphill climb that's even steeper than most. She's been widely ignored by most Dearborn media politicos, and is not a presence on the countless yard signs that are splayed across front yards and gas stations throughout our city.
  Perhaps that’s why Ms. Taylor has formed an alliance, of sorts, with another first-time council candidate, Rabih Hammoud.
  “Rabih Hammoud and I met way back at the beginning of the campaign and had a great discussion about what we each see for the city and the different opportunities available for growth,” she said. “We both have unique work experiences and lessons learned from those that can almost be directly implementable on the City Council, both on an organizational and communications level.”
  Although she was left out of the League of Womens Voters questionnaire, Ms. Taylor was eager to introduce herself to Dearborn voters with her answers here.

1. Please provide biographical information and explain why you are running for City Council. What relevant qualities, skills and experience would you bring to the position?

KT: As the only write-in and youngest candidate, I am passionate about helping Dearborn achieve a vision of success and prosperity. I complete my Masters degree in Integrated Marketing Communications in December from Eastern Michigan University. My formal education, coupled with my business experience in program management are great preparation for identifying the city's strengths and weaknesses and articulating effective, realistic solutions. Finding new solutions often requires using a New Perspective and that's what I will bring to the Dearborn City Council. Feel free to visit my website to learn more about my perspective; www.Kristyn4Council.com.

2. What are the top two or three priority issues facing the City of Dearborn, and what actions would you take to address them if elected?

KT: Two priority issues Dearborn faces are the high number of foreclosures and attracting sustainable employment opportunities. Traditionally, those in the younger generation would not consider purchasing a house at this time, but the foreclosure situation presents a unique opportunity for them. By increasing career options in Dearborn we can attract home buyers of all ages, and provide a positive solution to the crisis as well as a new generation of residents with the ability to actively contribute to the city. This requires a targeted approach to identifying the businesses that will satisfy the needs of Dearborn's current and future residents.

To learn more about Ms. Taylor's candidacy, visit her website here.

Meet the Candidate: Khalil Dakhlallah

  We continue our series spotlighting contenders for Dearborn's City Council election primary this August 4th. All of the participating candidates' answers can be found here. Candidates were limited to 100 words per response.

1. Please provide biographical information and explain why you are running for City Council. What relevant qualities, skills and experience would you bring to the position?

KD: Age: 53; Time in the city: 33 years; Family: Married with four grown children and one grand child. Education: BBA in Management. Occupation: Dearborn Public Schools/Student Services Liaison. City of Dearborn Recreation Dept. (Park Ranger/ Manager). 19th District Court Work Program Supervisior. Served 5 years as a volunteer Dearborn Police Reserve Officer. In listening to the people in this community, the thing they're most afraid of is losing the small town feel. Making sure we get appropriate infrastructure and growth in a way that preserves quality of life and small- town feel is very important.

2. What are the top two or three priority issues facing the City of Dearborn, and what actions would you take to address them if elected?

KD: Balancing next year’s budget (2010-11) will be challenging. Lower property values, coupled with less state revenue sharing and rising costs of employee and retiree health benefits will require serious discussions about our City Services and their costs. I have the experience, knowledge and commitment to engage the tough questions that lie ahead and to meet the challenge head on. Foreclosures have become widespread. I’ve backed the City’s efforts to purchase these homes for demolition. This helps keeps neighborhood values from falling. More grant money is needed to continue this project so vandalism and looting don’t become commonplace.

Digital Bookmobile Visits Dearborn Thursday

  Dearborn Public Library will host the Digital Bookmobile, an immersive download experience, from 11:00am-5:00pm Thursday at Henry Ford Centennial Library on Michigan Avenue. Readers of all ages are invited to engage digital downloading through interactive demonstrations and experience Dearborn Public Library’s vast audiobook, eBook, and video download service at this free event.
  “We are so excited to host the Digital Bookmobile in Dearborn. It is a marvelous opportunity for the community to explore digital media,” said Library Director Maryanne Bartles.
  The Digital Bookmobile is housed inside an 18-wheel tractor-trailer. This 74-foot long community outreach vehicle is a high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile that has served communities for decades. The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high-definition monitors, premium sound systems and a variety of portable media players. It's all geared to help visitors explore Dearborn Public Library’s download service. Interactive learning stations give visitors an opportunity to search the library’s digital media collection, use supported mobile devices, and sample eBooks, audiobooks, and video.  Patrons can take advantage of the download service 24/7 when they visit the library’s website. From there, they can browse the growing collection of best-selling, new release, and classic titles, and check out a digital title with a valid library card. Once downloaded, digital titles can be enjoyed on a computer or transferred to supported mobile devices. Many audio titles can also be burned to audio CD. At the end of the lending period, titles will automatically expire and are returned to the digital collection. There are never late fees or damaged items.
  The Digital Bookmobile is a service of Dearborn Public Library in cooperation with Michigan Library Consortium. For more information, including the Digital Catalog and Download Center, click here.

Ex-Fordson Coach Sues District, Principal

  A long-simmering feud between a former Fordson High School wrestling coach and the school's administration has reignited with the filing of a lawsuit today against Dearborn Public Schools and the school's principal, Imad Fadlallah.
  The case is expected to be a tinderbox, as it hinges on claims that coach Jerry Marszalek was terminated from the predominantly Muslim school because of his association with Trey Hancock, an assistant coach and local pastor who had allegedly helped convert a Muslim student to Christianity.
  Both Mr. Marszalek and Mr. Hancock deny mixing their religious views with school activities or their student athletes.
  "He knew the difference between church and state, " Mr. Marszalek told the Free Press last year.
  Among Mr. Marszalek’s legal brigade will be lawyers from the conservative Thomas More Law Center, whose president said that Fordson High School has created a climate that “is very intimidating.”

  More surely to come.

Meet the Candidate: Adrenne Wygonik

We continue our series spotlighting contenders for Dearborn's City Council election primary this August 4th. All of the participating candidates' answers can be found here. Candidates were limited to 100 words per response.

Q: Please tell us about yourself and explain why you are running for City Council. What relevant qualities, skills and experience would you bring to the position?

AW: Often public officials act before having all the relevant facts and without considering consequences. Professionally, I work as an anesthetist and have a MA in Public Administration. My profession and education have taught me to observe, analyze, and prioritize known facts, and ask the appropriate questions, then provide carefully considered plans and balanced advice. Additionally, I operate a small business, am active in the Dearborn community, volunteering for numerous organizations. I believe in making Dearborn a better place to live, raise a family, and work. The current economic climate requires change and vision. I want to be part of that change.

Q: What are the top two or three priority issues facing the City of Dearborn, and what actions would you take to address them, if elected?

AW: My first priority is to preserve Dearborn's uniqueness and traditions. Our cityscape must be distinguishable from Detroit. Secondly, Dearborn residents' investments in the community must be protected. Property values can be fortified by economic vitality, preservation of city services, strong public safety measures, and excellent educational standards. I am concerned about families and seniors who have few assets other than their homes and neighborhoods. Third, I will support greater transparency by posting a detailed city budget on the Internet for public inspection and input. The vision of the city must be a reflection of community needs and requirements.

Last Chance to Sign Up for Camp Invention

  There are still a few openings for Camp Invention, an exciting week-long, full-day experience for children entering grades one through six. Miller Elementary School will host the camp during the week of August 3rd through August 7th. Children will have the opportunity to be inspired, express their creativity and use inventive thinking through loads of hands-on activities and fun.
   Camp Director, Vincent Lacroix, will once again lead the daily learning activities. Mr. Lacroix brings to Camp Invention experience with over six summers of residential camping, twelve years of classroom teaching, youth theater productions and a masters degree in Educational Leadership. The program features a low staff-to-child ratio, with one staff member for every eight to ten children.
   Parents interested in this great opportunity to excite elementary-age kids about science can contact Mr. Lacroix at lacroiV@dearborn.k12.mi.us for registration information or visit the Camp Invention website at www.campinvention.org for more program details.
  The Camp Invention program was created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation with support from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Since its inception in 1990, the program has grown to include more than 800 sites in 44 states.

Players Guild Hosts Children's Workshop

  Teaching special needs youth about theater and giving them a chance to perform on stage will be the focus of a four-day summer workshop sponsored by the Players Guild of Dearborn and the Neighborhood Services Organization of Michigan.
  The goal of the four-day Starshine Children’s Theatre Workshop, which begins Monday, August 3rd, is to expose special needs children to stagecraft and performing on stage. The workshop activities and rehearsals will culminate in a performance featuring the participating youth on Thursday, August 6th at 2:00pm at the Players Guild of Dearborn.
  The Players Guild of Dearborn and Neighborhood Services Organization are excited by their new partnership, which meshes with the purpose and goals of both non-profit groups. The Neighborhood Services Organization’s Life Choices unit provides services and support to children with developmental disabilities and their families in an integrated community setting. The volunteers of the Players Guild of Dearborn are looking forward to working with the special needs youth from the Life Choices unit as they teach them stage craft and acting skills.
  All are invited to attend the workshop’s performance on Thursday, August 6 at 2 pm at the Players Guild of Dearborn. There is no charge for admission, and an afterglow will follow the show.
  The Players Guild of Dearborn Theatre is located at 21730 Madison, southwest of the intersection of Monroe Street and Outer Drive. The theatre is handicap accessible. For more information visit them online.

Final Tally: Over 110 Dogs Rescued, 151 Dead

  What started as a quirky story about a neighbor who kept a few too many dogs has escalated to something altogether more serious and tragic over the past 72 hours. In a press conference in front of the home at 7840 Orchard this afternoon, Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad updated the media.
   110 live dogs, all Chihuahuas, had been removed from the house since Wednesday evening, he reported. A handful of dogs were still inside as of 2:00pm Friday. The bodies of 151 Chihuahuas were discovered inside several freezers in the house on Friday.
   The case is now a criminal investigation, based on animal cruelty laws. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has been informed of preliminary findings at the house. Potential charges that could result from the criminal investigation include felony counts of animal cruelty, which carries a maximum penalty of four years imprisonment.

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110 Chihuahuas Rescued From Orchard Street Home, 96 Others Found Dead

   City officials, in cooperation with the Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter, removed 42 ailing and feces-covered dogs from 7840 Orchard Wednesday. Authorities were alerted to problems at the house, which has since been posted as unfit for human habitation.
  Thursday, animal control officers and animal shelter representatives were trying to rescue additional dogs inside the house. Today, officials revealed some startling figures about the effort, reporting that 110 living dogs were removed along with the corpses of 96 other dogs.
  The house is said to be full of feces and trash, while other materials are stacked from floor to ceiling, making it difficult to maneuver through the house to capture additional dogs. Efforts were being made to remove trash and clear pathways for rescue workers.
   The occupant of the house, a 56-year-old man, was taken to Oakwood Hospital on Wednesday for medical observation. He remained there as of Thursday morning. His family is involved in his care and cooperating with city officials.
   "We never thought he was like this. We’re all shocked from what we seen,” said Chadia Saad, who lives near the home.

Neighbors claimed to have contacted the city on numerous occasions regarding the growing squalor, but nothing was done until just this week.
   Batoul Hammoud told the Detroit News she heard dogs barking and smelled the stench for more than a year. "I knew it was bad. I just didn't know it was that bad," she said. "They couldn't even go in there without masks on."
  Of course, the city’s first priority in situations involving people living in houses unfit for habitation, is to care for the person involved and to identify the appropriate resources needed to get the person help. At the same time, the city immediately begins to rescue the animals involved and to secure the house.
  In this case, the rescued dogs were being taken to the Animal Shelter for assessment and medical care. The influx of dogs will obviously strain the Animal Shelter’s already overtaxed resources. People can donate to the shelter by visiting www.dearbornanimals.org or sending checks to the shelter at 2661 Greenfield Road, Dearborn, MI 48120.

Meet the Candidate: George Hart

  We continue our series spotlighting contenders for Dearborn's City Council election primary this August 4th. All of the participating candidates' answers can be found here. Candidates were limited to 100 words per response.

Q: Please tell us about yourself and explain why you are running for City Council. What relevant qualities, skills and experience would you bring to the position?

GH: I am George Hart, a former Councilman, County Commissioner and a State Senator for 20 years. I would like to continue maintaining Dearborn as a Premier City as I have always known it.

Q: What are the top two or three priority issues facing the City of Dearborn, and what actions would you take to address them, if elected?

GH: Operating a budget with certain priorities such as continuing good services as well as safe neighborhoods. This is very important. The budget is very critical and realizing the cutbacks on certain priorities definitely has an impact on all of us in Dearborn. Emanating cutbacks from the State of Michigan have had an effect on all of us. I will always do THE GREATEST GOOD FOR THE GREATEST NUMBER OF PEOPLE. I have lived in Dearborn all my life.

Credit Union Sponsors Backpack Drive

  Co-op Services Credit Union is collecting new backpacks and school supplies now through Friday, August 14th. The credit union has placed collection boxes at each of its branch offices to enable members and others in the community an opportunity to help lower-income students in Michigan.
  The donations will be distributed through Volunteers of America and its Operation Backpack initiative.  “These backpacks and supplies including pens, pencils, glue, scissors, notebooks and other classroom items will help give many deserving children a positive start to their school year,” said Jeremy Cybulski, youth and community development officer for Co-op Services Credit Union. “This is our first year to participate in the backpack program, and we look forward to making it an ongoing effort.”
  The credit union works with a number of local schools throughout the year to provide financial education programs and to operate student credit unions.
  Co-op Services Credit Union has branch offices in Livonia, Melvindale, Walled Lake, Westland and Downriver. Their Dearborn branch is located at 22740 Michigan Avenue. 

  For more information about the credit union’s backpack drive, visit the credit union’s web site at www.cscu.org or call Jeremy Cybulski at 800-321-8570, extension 133.

Meet the Candidate: Hussein Sobh

  This week, we continue our series spotlighting contenders for Dearborn's City Council election primary this August 4th. All of the participating candidates' answers can be found here. Candidates were limited to 100 words per response.

Q: Please tell us about yourself and explain why you are running for City Council. What relevant qualities, skills and experience would you bring to the position?

HS: My name is Hussein Sobh and, for many reasons, I believe that I am an extremely competent contender for the position of city councilman. I have been a proud resident of Dearborn for over thirty-four years during which I have opened up a business which has been running for twenty-three years and have earned the majority of my education. I am a strong believer that with this position comes great responsibility and, if elected, I will put forth my best effort in making Dearborn cleaner, safer place to reside by providing an alternate perspective on a variety of issues.

Q: What are the top two or three priority issues facing the City of Dearborn, and what actions would you take to address them, if elected?

HS: I believe that recently many problems have arisen in Dearborn which have been ignored for unknown reasons. One major issue facing our city is lack of support our local government places on schools. I feel that more emphasis should be placed on our children’s education because they are the future leaders of our community and we must pass our responsibility down to them eventually. Another major problem that I will strive to fix, if elected, is that of crime. I have noticed an influx in crime rates and actions against crime will be one of my major focuses.

Annam Closes; "Dearborn Is Dead," Says Owner

The following column by Daniel Howes is running in The Detroit News. For our city, it's a very sad and cautionary tale:

  It's over for Phuong Nguyen and Annam, her top-notch Vietnamese restaurant that gave West Dearborn the global panache and food cred it otherwise lacked -- and probably will again, sad to say.

  She closed up shop over the July Fourth holiday. The framed Gourmet magazine cover and the blurb heralding her fare are gone, along with the clips from other critics and a particular one by my former colleague, Jon Pepper. He told Nguyen's story of leaving her native Saigon and landing, by way of Paris, in Dearborn and opening Annam. Me? I get the end.

  "Dear patrons," said the handwritten note taped to the back door. "Annam (has) the regrets to announce that we are no longer in business. Thank you for your wonderful support all these years."

  

  Made me sick, reading that note Thursday. Not so Annam's service or the food, which was consistently sublime, or nearly so, an authentic and bracing counterpoint to the processed, focus-grouped, heat-and-serve corporate chow that passes for restaurant food in so many towns across the country.

  There was none of that at Annam, decorated by Nguyen's tasteful eye for combining contemporary European understatement with carefully chosen pictures of life in Vietnam. She developed the menu. She planned the wine dinners. And she -- a self-taught cook trained as a pastry chef -- ran the hot line most nights, a true chef-owner who greeted regulars like the old friends some became.

  If you know anything about cheffing -- the hours, the preparation, the heat, the stress, the demanding customers lured by the latest good review -- you know that ain't easy. Even harder is doing it and getting recognition for it, up to and including Gourmet and the Zagat guide.

  Now Annam is gone, a victim of the Great Recession, the continual leaning of Ford Motor Co., the haggling with the landlord and their corollary, the implosion of the West Dearborn business district. Annam, alongside the moribund Talal's, is yet one more casualty in a city accumulating empty storefronts like boys collect baseball cards.

  

  "Dearborn is dead," Nguyen told me over a cool drink at the nearby Starbucks. "It's sad. Dead is when you drive and not every corner is fully leased. This is not normal for a downtown."

  Maybe so, but it's the new normal for Dearborn and other auto towns hammered by the Great Restructuring of the Detroit auto industry. There are fewer jobs, fewer people willing to spend money, fewer corporate expense accounts free to buy business meals down the street.

  Annam's revenue was down 50 percent from last year, she says, continuing a spiral turbocharged by the recession and cutbacks at Ford. Add the city's on-again, off-again, can't-make-a-decision dithering on paid parking and this summer's construction on pock-marked Michigan Avenue and it's a wonder all operating in the business district from Brady to Military aren't out of business.

  Even though it's heading in that direction. Redeveloped buildings stand empty. Others carry banners promising the arrival of "Fatburger" (southwest corner of Military and Michigan), but Fatburger never comes. Ciao, the pseudo-Italian on Monroe, sits gutted by fire.

  In West Village Commons, Najib Rizk's Le Cigar and his Maestro's restaurant next door are among the few original tenants who remain. Au Bon Pain, Caribou Coffee, Hot Spot and Super Cuts are all gone, leaving empty windows and spaces generating no revenue.

  None of it is surprising, considering an official state unemployment rate north of 15 percent and climbing. Conspicuous austerity is politically correct, economically wise and perfectly acceptable, however much it undermines local businesses like nine-year-old Annam. And it inexorably wrings uniqueness and a sense of place from communities like Dearborn.

  Nguyen's restaurant defied the white-bread-and-hummus stereotypes of Dearborn, drawing foodies and accomplished regional chefs (like Bacco's Luciano del Signore) who understood she was doing something there that was well-executed and really good, plain and simple.

  Henry Ford's hometown will survive the loss of another restaurant, but Dearborn will be poorer for it. And I'll miss the beef noodle soup called Pho. Transcendent.

Meet the Candidate: Mark Dawdy

  Over the next few weeks we'll spotlight some of the contenders for Dearborn's City Council election primary this August 4th. All of the participating candidates' answers can be found here. Candidates were limited to 100 words per response.

Q: Please tell us about yourself and explain why you are running for City Council. What relevant qualities, skills and experience would you bring to the position?

MD: Lifelong (45 years) Dearborn resident. Alumnus of Fordson, HFCC and Lawrence Tech. Lifelong member of St. Barbara Parish where I serve as President of Ushers and Lectors Club and as a Eucharistic Minister. I am married 20 years to my wife Diane, and we have two wonderful children through adoption, Adam, 12, and Ashlynne, 8.
  Community involvement through Fr. Patrick O’Kelley K of C, St. Barbara Parish, Lindbergh PTA, and Coach for both Dearborn and Sacred Heart Baseball and former Scout Leader.
  Employed as Operations Manager for Ambit Land Surveyors, Inc. Also, licensed builder and co-owner of Dawdy Designs and Construction, L.L.C.

Q: What are the top two or three priority issues facing the City of Dearborn, and what actions would you take to address them, if elected?

MD: Dearborn needs new leadership with strong business background and community involvement working closely with the people and businesses here. Dearborn needs a council that can plan for its future with the ever-changing economy and that listens and responds to the needs of its residents and businesses. My goals will be to improve our business climate by finding incentives to keep existing businesses and draw new ones; find solutions to problems from paid parking and our decreasing tax base; and improve Dearborn’s image by highlighting our assets like our strong neighborhoods, parks, Ford Motor Company and Greenfield Village.

To learn more about Mr. Dawdy's candidacy, visit his website here.

Dearborn Boy Scores Ace with SpongeBob's Help

  The Detroit News and several national news services are carrying a story about a youngster from Dearborn who got very lucky on the links. 

  6-year-old Braeden Furlow had only played golf three times when he visited The Heathlands course in Onekama with his parents on July 6th. But his father, Travis Furlow, says his son teed up a SpongeBob SquarePants golf ball from about 85 yards out and made a solid drive with a 3-wood toward the eighth hole. The ball bounced twice on the fairway before breaking into the cup.
  Neither of his parents had ever hit a hole-in-one. Travis joked with his son that he should quit the game while he's ahead, but Braeden is eager to play again. In fact, the confident young man believes he could do it again.
  Congratulations to Braeden and his family.

Plenty of Free Music Throughout City

  If you’re looking for an affordable way to have some family fun this summer (and who isn't?), consider stopping by some of the many free outdoor music concerts being offered across Dearborn during the rest of the summer.
  The city of Dearborn, the East Downtown Dearborn Development Authority (EDDDA), the West Dearborn Downtown Development Authority (WDDDA) and the Ritz-Carlton Dearborn are each hosting their own series of free outdoor concerts that are sure to offer something for all musical tastes.
  The lineup includes concerts on almost every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening this summer. Here's a quick look at what's in store:

A Dearborn summer favorite, "Music Under the Stars," offers concerts in different outdoor venues across the city. Concerts start at 7:30pm on the following Thursdays:

July 16, Bryant Library courtyard – Mustard’s Retreat (pictured above)
July 23, Community & Performing Arts Center east lawn – Motor City Brass Band
July 30, City Hall Park – Dearborn Traditional Ensemble
Aug. 6, Dearborn Hills Golf Course – The Sun Messengers
Aug. 13, Levagood Park – Steve King & Dittlies “Twist and Splash Concert”
Aug. 20, Schemansky Park – HFCC Jazz Band
Aug. 27, Dearborn Hills Golf Course – Fifty Amp Fuse

“Jazz On Ave” concerts – sponsored by the EDDDA and Smooth Jazz V 98.7 – take place at City Hall Park from 7:00pm-9:00pm on the following Wednesdays:

July 22 - Alexander Zonjic & Friends
July 29 - David Myles & The Mylestones
Aug. 12 - Jessie Coleman
Aug. 19 - Penny Wells
Aug. 26 - The Brothers Groove

The WDDDA concert series happens on Friday evenings at the following dates and times. All concerts will be held at Muirhead Plaza, located next to Bryant Branch Library.

6-9 p.m. on July 24 – Radio Active
6-9 p.m. on Aug. 14 –  Merge
7-9:30 p.m. on Aug. 21 – Cleary Quartet
6-9 p.m. on Aug. 28 – Thornetta Davis

Finally, the Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn is offering “Motown in The Courtyard” on Thursday evenings through September 17th (excluding September 3rd) from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. Entrance and parking are free; no reservations are required. For more information, call 313-441-2000.

July 9 – The Kimmie Horn Show
July 16 – Horizon
July 23 – Jaki G and Legasy
July 30 – The Sun Messengers
Aug. 6 – Horizon
Aug. 13 – Mel Ball and Colours
Aug. 20 – The Kimmie Horn Show
Aug. 27 – KGB
Sept. 10 – Desire
Sept. 17 – The Kimmie Horn Show

Meet the Candidate: Ali Sayed

Over the next few weeks we'll spotlight some of the contenders for Dearborn's City Council election primary this August 4th. All of the participating candidates' answers can be found here. Candidates were limited to 100 words per response, and we have not included incomplete responses.

Q: Please tell us about yourself and explain why you are running for City Council. What relevant qualities, skills and experience would you bring to the position?

AS: Ali Sayed was born on January 2, 1981 in Dearborn—the city he still calls home. Raised among eight siblings and two loving parents, Ali came from humble beginnings. A graduate of Dearborn High School, he is currently pursuing a degree in Public Administration. Ali began his entrepreneurial career by purchasing a little restaurant near Detroit Metro Airport. This small business gave Ali the opportunity to strive, learn and succeed. Being an avid sports lover and a devoted citizen, Ali found a rewarding balance through the establishment of HYPE Athletics.

Q: What are the top two or three priority issues facing the City of Dearborn, and what actions would you take to address them, if elected?

AS: Family Services, Youth Prevention Services, Crime Prevention Services: I will encourage a move that will involve families to become more involved with the neighborhoods and parks, to assist the city in maintaining the standard of living that we are so proud of. I will work hard to educate every household on city policy and security, so that we have a city that understands its residents and residents that understand their city.

To learn more about Mr. Sayed's candidacy, visit his website here.

ACCESS Job Fair Attracts Employers

  ACCESS will be holding a summer job fair this Wednesday, July 15th at the ACCESS Employment and Training Center. Despite the ongoing economic crisis and the fact that many companies throughout Michigan are in a hiring freeze, ACCESS has recruited 42 employers and businesses who have confirmed their participation.
  The event will be open to everyone, and most employers claim to have immediate job openings for eager candidates. Confirmed employers include H & R Block, Bank of America, Global Information Technology, Dearborn Police Department, Red Cross, Barbara Karmanos Cancer Institute, The United States Army and many more.
  The job fair will take place between 9:00am and 1:00pm. The ACCESS Employment and Training Center is located at 6451 Schaefer. For more information, contact Mustapha Mounajed at mmounajed@accesscommunity.org or call 945-8159, ext. 259.

Meet the Candidate: Sharon Dulmage

Over the next few weeks we'll spotlight some of the contenders for Dearborn's City Council election primary this August 4th. All of the participating candidates' answers can be found here. Candidates were limited to 100 words per response.

Q: Please tell us about yourself and explain why you are running for City Council. What relevant qualities, skills and experience would you bring to the position

SD: 47-year resident of Dearborn and married to Jim, a lifelong resident. Served 22 years as Trustee of the Dearborn Board of Education and Henry Ford Community College. Attended HFCC, Detroit College of Business and CMU. I have 47 years experience SERVING Dearborn through service organizations and in my previous elected position. I want to continue to SERVE the community as a member of the City Council. I have 22 years experience with public funding and over 99% attendance at Board meetings including special meetings. I am dedicated to Dearborn, committed to moving Dearborn forward, while preserving tradition and services.

Q: What are the top two or three priority issues facing the City of Dearborn, and what actions would you take to address them, if elected?

SD: Stabilizing neighborhoods and growing the business districts are top priorities and go hand and hand. Neighborhood stabilization is tied to attracting people to Dearborn and keeping the residents we have. I am committed to recruiting small retail shops to the business districts by seeking them out. I have visited many communities and have found unique shops that I believe would do well in Dearborn. Growth of the business districts, public safety through support of our police and fire departments, continuing our fine city services and resolving the paid parking concerns through compromise will stabilize the neighborhoods and business community.

Learn more about Mrs. Dulmage's candidacy on her website.

Police Ask Residents to Keep Eyes Open During Home Invasion Spree

  The Dearborn Police Department is asking for residents to partner with its officers in the ongoing effort to cut down on neighborhood crime and, in particular, to help counter a recent rise in incidents of home invasions.
  “We’re doing our part to respond to this trend, through increasing police patrols and by coordinating our efforts with surrounding jurisdictions,” said Police Chief Ronald Haddad. “But we need residents to do their part by acting as our eyes and ears in the neighborhoods. Often they have information we need to prevent crimes or catch the people perpetrating them.”
  To report any type of suspicious or unusual activity, call the Dearborn Police Neighborhood Watch Program and Tip Line at 943-3030. Callers may remain anonymous and are urged to report anything that seems suspicious or simply out of the ordinary. For example, an unfamiliar car repeatedly circling your block, or someone unfamiliar approaching a neighbor’s side door.
  The second and crucial step is to make the call to the Tip Line immediately – even if you aren’t sure anything is definitely wrong.
  “Crimes like home invasions are often hard for police to detect while they’re in progress, so we need a team effort with our citizens,” Haddad said. “If you see something strange, call us right away, so an officer can check it out. You’ll be helping keep your neighborhood safer.”
  Haddad emphasized the importance of reporting information immediately.
  “It’s critical to make that call right away. Waiting even a couple of minutes could make the difference between police catching a criminal and recovering someone’s stolen property, or them being gone when officers arrive,” he said.
  Police remind residents that to report a crime in progress or in an emergency, always call 911.

Meet the Candidate: Rabih Hammoud

Over the next few weeks we'll spotlight some of the contenders for Dearborn's City Council election primary this August 4th. All of the participating candidates' answers can be found here. Candidates were limited to 100 words per response.

Q: Please tell us about yourself and explain why you are running for City Council. What relevant qualities, skills and experience would you bring to the position?

RH: I was raised in the beautiful city of Dearborn. I am very proud of the city and its people. I intend to run for city council to introduce my new ideas and try my very best to improve the overall circumference of the city. The country, state, and city are in an economic crisis. With your support for Dearborn City Council, you can guarantee that I will enforce my ideas and plans on the issues our city is facing. I want my little girls to be raised in the most beautiful, safest city in the world and that is Dearborn.

Q: What are the top two or three priority issues facing the City of Dearborn, and what actions would you take to address them, if elected?

RH: a) Maintain our high level of City Services: Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation, Public Service Departments are what our city has been known for and should remain at the level that we have come to expect. b) Support local businesses. Easing restrictions businesses may be struggling with to keep businesses growing in our city. Provide numerous avenues (web, newspaper, newsletters, etc) for Dearborn residents and our guests to know what Dearborn has to offer (attractions, restaurants, events, etc). c) Embrace the diversity that exists in our city; Diversity gives us an opportunity to set us apart from other cities.

You can learn more about Mr. Hammoud's candidacy on his Facebook page, or simply email RabihHammoud4citycouncil@yahoo.com. 

Register Today to Vote August 4th

  Residents planning to vote in the upcoming primary election August 4th are reminded they must be registered by end of day today.
  It's a bigger race than we've seen in years, as 25 candidates are vying for just seven seats on Dearborn's City Council. The top 14 vote getters will move on to the general election. So today's the day to make sure your voice is heard come August. Citizens can register at the City Clerk's office in Dearborn City Hall or go online here.
  The voter registration deadline for the November 3rd general election is Monday, October 5th.

Homecoming Volunteers Sought

  The city of Dearborn is seeking help for its upcoming Homecoming event August 7, 8 and 9 at Ford Field Park.
  Specifically, the city wants folks who have a working knowledge of the festival. So if you're a Homecoming vet who can help visitors find their way to the carnival rides or the art exhibits or the main stage, then the city asks you to volunteer at the Festival Information Booth and assist the more than 150,000 visitors who come to Homecoming each year.
  Volunteers work in pairs at the booth, generally in three hour shifts from noon until 9:00pm, Friday through Sunday. City staff members are on hand to provide support to the volunteers.
  If you are interested in helping out, please call 313-943-2285 or email Nancy Lenhart of the Dearborn Department of Public Information at nlenhart@ci.dearborn.mi.us.

233 Years Later, Still Good Reading...

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

  When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

-He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
-He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
-He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
-He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
-He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
-He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
-He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
-He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
-He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
-He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
-He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
-He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
-He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
-For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
-For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
-For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
-For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
-For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
-For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
-For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
-For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
-For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
-He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
-He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
-He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
-He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
-He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

  In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

  Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

  We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Police On Lookout for Drunk Drivers

  The Dearborn Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across the state for a crackdown this holiday weekend called “Over the Limit. Under Arrest.”
  Michigan drivers will find stepped up patrols looking for drunk drivers across Dearborn and Wayne County throughout the Independence Day holiday.
  Last year, 14 motorists died in Michigan over the July 4th holiday, with five of those deaths involving alcohol and three of those motorists being unbuckled.
  “We want people to have a good time and be responsible. By stepping up enforcement during the holiday season we can keep motorists safe by removing drunk drivers from the roadways,” said Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad. 

  In Michigan, a motorist can be arrested for drunk driving with .08 blood alcohol content or higher. A drunk driving conviction is costly and comes with assorted penalties including fines, legal fees, driver responsibility fees, court costs and higher insurance rates.
  “Not driving drunk is so much easier than getting behind the wheel after drinking too much. Penalties can be avoided by designating a sober driver, taking a cab or spending the night at a friend’s house,” said Chief Haddad.
  In 2008, there were 317 alcohol-related traffic deaths in Michigan, a decrease of 8.2 percent from 2007.
  If you've had too much at a holiday party or picnic, get a ride or call Lorraine Cab at 313-582-6900.