13 Line-up for Seven Open Dearborn Council Seats
To date, 13 residents have filed to run for Dearborn City Council.
We’re still eight months away from the November general election but the race for seven open Dearborn city council seats is already heating up with 13 candidates, including three current council members, lining up to run for the more than $14,400 a year part-time job.
What’s interesting is that 10 of those candidates don’t currently serve on the council. Combine that with the remaining four council members who will likely run again and you could suddenly surge to 17 candidates on the ballot. The filing deadline for council is May 12.
Councilmen Robert Abraham and Tom Tafelski told the Dearborn Press & Guide they would be running for reelection. Councilman Doug Thomas, who was absent from many council meetings in 2008, said he hasn’t made a decision to run yet. Councilwoman Suzanne Sareini also will likely run again.
That means a primary will have to be held in August for the race, further shortening the time candidates will have to campaign.
The candidates so far include:
- George Darany, current councilman
- Nancy Hubbard, current councilwoman
- Mark Shooshanian, current councilman
- David W. Bazzy, former Charter Commissioner
- Mark J. Dawdy
- Sharon Dulmage, former Dearborn School Board member
- Scott J. Marquette
- Maureen A. McIlrad-Noland
- Brian C. O’Donnell
- Mark A. Otlewski
- Adrenne M. Wygonick (wife of 19th District Judge Richard Wygonick)
- Vincent Laing
- Bradley Hajec
As for mayor, just Dearborn resident Ziad Abdul Malik has pulled a petition to challenge Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly Jr., who also plans to run again.
March 5th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Knowing Dearborn voters, all of the same suspects will be re-elected, minus Thomas who lives in Florida but pretends that sleeping on his daughter’s couch in Dearborn constitutes being a Dearborn resident. Brain dead council, that is what we have. If there was any doubt take a look around this city. what have they done for us residents lately?
March 5th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Councilman Abraham should be removed from council immediately and should not be allowed to run as he has delinquent 2007 real estate taxes–as of yesterday, according to Wayne County Treasurer’s website. These are not just a few dollars folks, but well over $30,000.00 when I started adding them up. Interesting to know that the new oath of office for Dearborn officials left out the promise to uphold the Charter of the City of Dearborn (per the new Charter); was this a conscious omission? However, the Charter clearly states that anyone indebted to the City may not hold office, so he can’t worm his way out of this one. Again, Mr. Mayor and Ms. Whalling, where are you?
March 5th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Let’s hope Doug Thomas doesn’t run. The “watchdog” as he bills himself, he isn’t. He is a lazy lap dog. He has to go. Then Nancy, who on most days barely knows what day it is. Time to retire.
March 6th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Dearbornette,
Councilman Robert A. Abraham is not delinquent on any taxes. There is more than one Robert Abraham in the world. If you look up John Smith in the phone book, you will find pages of entries.
Making such an accusation is slanderous and a defamation of character. You are one ignoramus individual!
You may have to look “ignoramus” up in the dictionary.
March 6th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
I believe someone posted the tax delinquencies regarding properties on Garrison Avenue in Dearborn that were held by a “Robert A. Abraham.” Of course, the taxes could be paid up by now. Under any circumstances, I can understand why Lynda Mualem would be upset about accusations against her brother.
March 6th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Psst, Lynda, if you look up “ignoramus” in the dictionary, it’ll tell you that it’s a noun. I believe the ADJECTIVE you were looking for was “ignorant.”
March 6th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
I am very sorry for offending you Madam Lynda. I note that Wayne County Register of Deeds shows RAA’s connection to his office on Michigan Avenue, as well as to the properties on Garrison. Attempted clever assignments cannot erase the connection. I encourage everyone to visit http://www.waynecountylandrecords.com to use the free search engine to verify my assertions. I also note that the office on Michigan Avenue has delinquent taxes, as do the Garrison properties, again as of checking this afternoon with Wayne County Treasurer. Even if the Robert Abraham and Robert A. Abraham are not one in the same person, they have interacted in several real estate transactions so please don’t tell me there is no connection between the two; if there are not one in the same, I suspect STRONG family connection. There are substantial taxes $12,113.26 (from 2007) owing on the Michigan Ave property; each of the multiple Garrison properties have substantial amounts owing, as well. I do not believe my documented comments give you cause to insult me; however, if it makes you feel better, please feel free. Have a lovely weekend.
March 7th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Voters, simply pick any 7 names for council that are not current council members and clean house of the most ineffective, unless council we have ever had.
March 8th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Come on guys, you know that people in dearborn, as well as other places just because they know the names on the ballot or that the name looks cool. Not many people vote for candidates on the issues they stand for when it comes to local elections any more.
March 9th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Hey Dearbornette,
It is odd to see how Madam Lynda surfaces when her brother on Council comes into light, again…
Ethics Board clears Councilman Abraham
Separately recommends Council action on possible removal from office of Charter Commissioner Dobkowski
By Karen M. Scally, Press & Guide Newspapers
PUBLISHED: March 12, 2006
…The Board of Ethics also received two complaints from residents Dianne Moulton and >>Lynda Mualem<<, citing conflicts of interest with Dobkowski serving as a Charter Commissioner.
One specific violation stated in the complaints was the belief that Dobkowski is in default to the city by not paying his taxes.
Dobkowski left the meeting once the residents’ complaints were read.
The problem, Walling said, is not that Dobkowski has a suit against the city. But the unpaid taxes could be seen as a violation of Section 6.12, “The city shall not give any official position to any person who is in default to the city.”
“Apparently, he has not paid any taxes to the city on the Horger property in 2005,” Walling said. “That seems to be clearly default. No one ran his tax records before he was sworn in (in November).”
http://pressandguide.com/stories/031206/loc_20060312001.shtml
Municipality: 32 – DEARBORN
Parcel ID: 32092220204100 Property Type: REAL
Property Address: 21722 GARRISON, Dearborn, MI 48124
Taxpayer(s): ABRAHAM, ROBERT
Tax Year: 2007
Tax: $6,326.91
Interest & Fees: $1,702.83
Amt. Due: $8,029.74
Status: FORFEITED
TOTAL TAX AMOUNT DUE if paid on or before 3/31/2009 $8,029.74
Municipality: 32 – DEARBORN
Parcel ID: 32092220204600 Property Type: REAL
Property Address: 21734 GARRISON, Dearborn, MI 48124
Taxpayer(s): ABRAHAM, ROBERT
Tax Year: 2007
Tax: $5,677.99
Interest & Fees: $1,550.33
Amt. Due: $7,228.32
Status: FORFEITED
TOTAL TAX AMOUNT DUE if paid on or before 3/31/2009 $7,228.32
Municipality: 32 – DEARBORN
Parcel ID: 32092220204700 Property Type: REAL
Property Address: 21742 GARRISON, Dearborn, MI 48124
Taxpayer(s): ABRAHAM, ROBERT
Tax Year: 2007
Tax: $6,326.91
Interest & Fees: $1,702.83
Amt. Due: $8,029.74
Status: FORFEITED
TOTAL TAX AMOUNT DUE if paid on or before 3/31/2009 $8,029.74
Municipality: 32 – DEARBORN
Parcel ID: 32092220204800 Property Type: REAL
Property Address: 21750 GARRISON, Dearborn, MI 48124
Taxpayer(s): ABRAHAM, ROBERT
Tax Year: 2007
Tax: $8,922.59
Interest & Fees: $2,312.81
Amt. Due: $10,365.20
Status: FORFEITED
TOTAL TAX AMOUNT DUE if paid on or before 3/31/2009 $11,235.40
Municipality: 32 – DEARBORN
Parcel ID: 32092040801000 Property Type: REAL
Property Address: 24530 MICHIGAN, Dearborn, MI 48124
Taxpayer(s): ABRAHAM, ROBERT / MATHEWS (office 3/12/2000)
Tax Year: 2007
Tax: $9,633.41
Interest & Fees: $2,479.85
Amt. Due: $12,113.26
Status: FORFEITED
TOTAL TAX AMOUNT DUE if paid on or before 3/31/2009 $12,113.26
Municipality: 32 – DEARBORN
Parcel ID: 32092012701200 Property Type: REAL
Property Address: 510 CRESCENT DR, Dearborn, MI 48124
Taxpayer(s): ABRAHAM, ROBERT (office 4/18/05)
2008 DATA HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE MUNICIPALITY. ADDITIONAL TAXES OR ADJUSTMENTS MAY BE DUE FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.
Municipality: 32 – DEARBORN
Parcel ID: 32100820602400 Property Type: REAL
Property Address: 10301 WARREN, Dearborn, MI 48126
Taxpayer(s): ABRAHAM, ROBERT (office 1/5/93)
2008 DATA HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE MUNICIPALITY. ADDITIONAL TAXES OR ADJUSTMENTS MAY BE DUE FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.
PROPERTY TAX INFORMATION IS VALID AS OF BUSINESS DAY 3/6/2009.
http://www.waynecounty.com/pta/Disclaimer.asp
Name: ROBERT A. ABRAHAM & DEAN T. MATHEWS, LLC
Type: Domestic Limited Liability Company (GARRISON OAKS CONDOMINIUMS)
Resident Agent: ROBERT A. ABRAHAM
Registered Office Address: 510 CRESCENT DRIVE DEARBORN MI 48124
Mailing/Office Address:
Formation/Qualification Date: 6-7-2001
Jurisdiction of Origin: MICHIGAN
Managed by: Members
Status: ACTIVE Date: Present
http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/bcs_corp/dt_llc.asp?id_nbr=B3530A&name_entity=ROBERT%20A.%20ABRAHAM%20%26%20DEAN%20T.%20MATHEWS,%20LLC
ROBERT A. ABRAHAM & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
ROBERT A. ABRAHAM, C. P. A., P.C. (prior name)
http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/bcs_corp/dt_corp.asp?id_nbr=510212&name_entity=ROBERT%20A.%20ABRAHAM%20%26%20ASSOCIATES,%20P.C.
Even stranger is that the Dearborn Press & Guide is nowhere to be found.
By my count Council Abraham is $46,636.46 a tax deadbeat.
Real investigative journalism there Powers. And just as suspect as City Hall ignoring the tax bills that they record.
Press & Guide
One Heritage Drive, Suite 100
Southgate, MI 48195
Telephone: (734) 246-0800
Editor: Tim Powers
editor@pressandguide.com
March 9th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
LX, I just took your legwork and ran with it. After verifying the tax status of each of the subject properties, imagine my surprise when I found the one on Michigan Ave in default, too. I was glad I had also checked the Register of Deeds’ site because that took care of Ms. Lynda’s protestations. The Times Herald did pick this up in yesterday’s paper, so in my book their far superior to the P & G; Mary Laundroche claims all of the condos are rental-compliant, although two apparently did not appear so on the city’s website, for some inexplicable reason (cough, cough). Are these properties homesteaded, City Hall? For folks who are wondering why I am asking, if it is your bonafide personal residence, i.e. homestead, your tax rate is lower; otherwise, you pay a higher rate. The City loses thousands of dollars in not investigating properties that no longer qualify for homestead exemptions and when they don’t pay their fair share the rest of us do, so this is relevent. The Garrison and Michigan Avenue properties are income producing properties; they are not his personal residence. Can the Mayor, Ms. Walling, and City Council really expect tax payers (who are busting their fannies to pay their own homestead taxes) to accept his default on not one but multiple properties? Should we really have to when so many people are losing their homes to foreclosure? Mr. Abraham, why don’t you do the City a big favor and resign? It would save all the time, effort and cost that the “special hearing” will require. Here’s to hoping they don’t sweep this one under the rug; Dearborn Citizens, I hope you won’t let them. In any case, I am sure that he will not be in for the same vicious treatment that was given to Mr. Dobkowski. LX, thank you for your expert research; we Dearborn residents are very lucky to have your regular commentary.
March 9th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
OOPS, sorry, in a hurry. “Their”should have been “they’re”.
March 10th, 2009 at 6:10 am
I say go get the SOB and toss him out of city hall. Hopefully the Times-Herald article will shake up a few of those lazy city so called leaders, especially the mayor who must be choking on his Whopper right now. Thanks for the investigation Dearbornette and LX.
March 10th, 2009 at 6:13 am
Who is Ziad Abdul Malik? Anyone here know anything about him?
March 10th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Great input Dearbornette.
Haven’t made it as far as the homestead tax issue. With Dearborn now approaching a 40% rental/lease housing market that has changed its neighborhoods and schools for the worse this should be investigated by City Hall too. They issue the taxes…
In addition, here’s to hoping that the Press & Guide has no conflict of interests in reporting the ill deeds of Council Abraham…
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DEARBORN
February 2, 2009
Page 12:
By Hubbard supported by Darany.
2-84-09. RESOLVED: That all bids received for Publishing of the Official City Notices and Records are hereby rejected except the bid of Heritage Newspapers d/b/a Press & Guide in the approximate amount of $15,000, that the aforementioned bid is hereby accepted, that the checks of the unsuccessful bidders be returned forthwith, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a formal contract upon the approval of the Department of Law; provided however, that all of the specifications and instructions in the bid have been fully complied with; be it further
RESOLVED: That this contract shall be financed from the General Fund, City Clerk Department, Publishing Account in the amount of $5,000 for FY09 and $10,000 for FY10, contingent upon adoption of the FY10 budget (Account #101-1300-801.54-00); be it further
RESOLVED: That this resolution be given immediate effect.
The resolution was adopted as follows: Yeas: Abraham, Darany, Hubbard, Shooshanian, Tafelski and Thomas (6). Nays: None. Absent: Sareini (1).
http://www.cityofdearborn.org/cityclerk/2009%20Council%20Minutes/2-2-09%20cmm.pdf
Without integrity, this city is nothing but an ongoing downward spiral much like Detroit.
March 10th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Thank you LX and Dearbornette for your interesting information. The ethics board won’t do anything regarding thisbecause blowhard O’Reilley appointed Roberts godmother to theethics board, so I’m sure she won’t stick him.
March 10th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
I want Bill White of DFSB to run for council or mayor and straighten this mess out. Bill is a take no crap type of guy and he’ll get to the bottom of this just as LX does.
March 11th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Mr. Abraham owns other homes in Dearborn, as well. Per WC RoD, WC Treas, and City of Dearborn, Abraham and his wife own 22928 Lodge Lane; WC Treas does not report it is delinquent in taxes, but the property is NOT registered as a rental with the City. Per WC RoD, WC Treas, and City of Dearborn, Abraham and his wife and Matthews and his wife own 555 N. Waverly; this property is not reported as having delinquent property taxes either per the WC Treas, but it is NOT reported as a rental on the City website either. Building department, are these properties rentals? Assessor’s office, are they homesteaded? Again, Mr. Mayor, Ms. Walling, and City Counsel, I am calling you all out: do your duty!
March 14th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I enjoy both Robert Abraham and Tom Tafelski. They seem to be both very busy men but make time to come out and support local events. Dearborn is a great city to live in, I have lived here for 5 years and raise a young family.
March 16th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Isnt Robert Abraham a C.P.A? Why would he out of all people NOT pay taxes? Im sure it is a mix up. hmmmmmmm….
March 18th, 2009 at 9:25 am
i know ziad. i wish he wins. he will turn the city around and make the city look like downtown birmingham. ziad is the man. vote for him. time for a change. why not.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Seeing this many candidates interested in participating in local government along with the passion and research behind these comments is an example of the embodiment of democracy. It is outstanding that this many individuals are interested in serving the community; a true testiment to how dedicated the residents are to this city.
I hope to meet many of you and hear you thoughts on where we can improve our city in the coming months while on the campaign trail.
Thanks,
Scott J. Marquette
March 26th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Cry me a river. Robert Abraham and his lovely wife were ready to get rich off of those condos and willing to take a risk. In fact, some of us recall them bragging about it. Now, they don’t want the responsibliity of the property taxes owed for this business venture? Hmmm. Robert used to do the taxes for Shatila Bakery and La Shish<– Wonder if he was playing by the rules back then?
When you look up integrity in the dictionary, you probably won’t find his name… We can only hope more Dearborn residents/taxpayers/voters will see Mr. and Mrs. Abraham for the narcisstic,opportunistic CRIMINALS that they are.
Please do your homework before you vote.
April 26th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Business School 101- An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a form of personal protection from business debts or law suits against your business. Without a LLC, the people involved in the company are legally liable to any loses accrued by the business venture. When you set up an LLC the way that Robert Abraham did, you separate personal assets and business entities. An LLC enables people like the Abrahams to take the business risk of constructing condo units and not have their personal assets at risk (i.e. their home, automobiles, bank accounts etc).
In the case of the taxes owed on the condos on Garrison, an LLC was set up making Mr. Abraham not personally liable for the taxes. The company is responsible for paying the taxes. Being the upstanding individual that he is, Mr. Abraham paid the taxes out of his own pocket to offset the ignorant attempts by individuals to smear his good name. He was not personally liable for the taxes. It is that simple. He was not breaking any laws in case you were wondering.
Mr. Abraham took responsibility for what he did and paid what he wasn’t liable for which shows that he has immense amounts of integrity and clearly can take responsibility for things that are not even his fault. So Mr. Concerned Citizen, Mr. Personal Vendetta, since you know the Abrahams so well and think that they are criminals I wonder why you didn’t know the real facts? Is it because you were not hugged as a child making you act out as an immature 15 year old gossiping behind the protective screen of your own computer? Is it that time of the month again? Or is your brain the size of a peanut that has a protective covering around it keeping out all sane and rational thoughts? I believe that it is probably all of the above. I guess no one has any control over that, therefore you will continue to sound like an uneducated imbecile in hopes to make yourself look good by tearing other people down. Not really a characteristic to be proud of CC? But it’s OK, I am sure that no one gives a rats ass about your opinions or your pathetic attempt to tear the councilman down. I am also sure that everyone will forgive you for being such a mean spirited person. I’m sure it wasn’t your fault. You fell victim to bad procreation. Stuff like that happens. Now if you need a hug, just ask and I’ll give you one! I believe that everyone deserves at least 15 seconds of love, even if they are the scum beneath my toes. I don’t judge. And maybe then you will learn a thing or two about being a good person.
Before you take cheap shots at someone you probably don’t even know, you should educate yourself and figure out what you are saying before you come off looking like a spiteful idiot. And you know what tiger, I do actually agree with you on one account. Everyone should do their homework before they vote. That way everyone can see all the real facts and understand what happened.