Trudeau: Dearborn Election “Dirt” Continues
In the event you missed it, former Dearborn Charter Commissioner Raymond Trudeau, in a letter to the editor of the Dearborn Press & Guide, writes that his hopes of an election this year free of “unnecessary games, and, with an emphasis on the best person winning a place on the City Council” were dashed when he received an unsigned letter a week ago that closed only with the name: “We care about Dearborn.”
The unsigned letter some residents have received.
The letter has appeared in many mailboxes around town, including here.
Trudeau raises some valid points about the attack letter on Dearborn Council President Tom Tafelski.
He points out in his letter that if these people really cared about Dearborn “they would come out from the shadows rather than hiding in the dark, and turn these accusations into issues that the voters of Dearborn could agree or disagree with in meaningful public discussion with the candidate they accuse.”
Whether people agree with the timing of Nancy Siwik’s actions questioning Councilman Doug Thomas and his residency, no one can accuse her of hiding behind an anonymous letter.
Below are excerpts of Mr. Trudeau’s letter to the editor of the Dearborn Press & Guide:
“ . . . when I opened a letter addressed to my family which accused a Dearborn elected official with paying fewer taxes than his neighbors, committing fraud, and for not paying a parking ticket, etc… it was hard to read every last word in the letter because of the dirt and mud which was soiled the entire piece of paper. BUT the strategy was clear: produce a libelous set of accusations that offered no proof whatsoever. Worse, the cowardly piece was sent without an individual’s name, closing with only the name “We Care About Dearborn.” The hell they do!
“The so-called, “We Care About Dearborn” has timed and worded its letter in the most blatant political fashion, keeping true to the sometimes- rough and savage spirit of Dearborn politics- especially when such persons target elected officials demonstrating integrity and independence. Let’s have an honest discussion about the issues that affect us all and our future: attracting real investment in our downtowns, equitable neighborhood services and responsible budget management – then let the voters decide.”
For Mr. Trudeau’s full letter to the Press & Guide, click HERE.
October 19th, 2009 at 8:07 am
I totally understand why their names were not signed. It’s the same reason City Hall corruption remains hush, hush. Tafelski is a person in power and can retaliate in NUMEROUS ways. Without a local paper (P&G is now downriver and Times Herald has more news from other communities than Dearborn) how do we get this information out? On your blog, someone was kind enough to publish the 17 page lawsuit. What more proof do you need? Look up the taxes, more proof. The tickets we don’t have access to but someone did and shared the info. It is easy for someone in the know to prove that so why make it up? Remember, where there is smoke, there is usually fire.
October 19th, 2009 at 8:28 am
The irony of Trudeau writing such a rightous letter is hilarious. Perhaps his memory has failed with age. Nothing more than the “pot calling the kettle black”.
October 19th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Dear Ray,
In response only to the property tax issue (I let others deal with the rest of this mess):
Sorry, but the facts are not in your favor today. You pay property taxes at rate of 55% higher than the Council President. Even though you purchased your very exclusive home in 1995 and TT purchased his in 2003 (peak of the housing market). TT neighbors pay at even higher rate (see the comp)!!! The math is done for you. The source of information is the City of Dearborn website for property tax assessments.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/21292500/Taxes-Tafelski-vs-Trudeau
Can someone please send this to Mr. Trudeau?
October 19th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Well, it seems to me that the City Hall Machine has their rapid blog responders out en masse and poised to muddy the facts – again. I expect more garbage like what has already been posted but, the bottom line is this: Tafelski and anyone attacked without proof or attribution is the victim, as Ray Trudeau has been in the past. I know Trudeau as an UPSTANDING citizen and one that puts Dearborn first. Tafelski is a major threat to the Machine, simply because he too, puts Dearborn first.
October 19th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Please check your own SEV and taxable value against Tafelski’s. Thanks ‘More FACTS’ I just found out I am getting screwed. Tafelski has over 1,000 square foot larger home and my SEV is still higher. Thousands of dollars higher. Same neighborhood just blocks away and I have been in my home for 20 years. Are all City Council members getting a tax break? I appealed my taxes this year and it just fell on deaf ears. I guess only the powerful get a deal while the rest of us pay the price.
October 19th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Very interesting that the administration is not denouncing any of this garbage–empty accusations without proof IS GARBAGE… Your little tidbit that someone who allegedly has seen the tickets imparted this “proof:”–now who would have access to such information that they could impart such an alleged tidbit? And of course, they are so beyond reproach that you would trust anything they say, even something this serious, WITHOUT SEEING THE PROOF? Could it be one of the City’s stellar legal eagles who think they are beholden to no one but the mayor?
This administration is so steeped in slime at such an early stage, that Kilpatrick and Guido would have been envious. Remember, Trolls, when you are no longer useful you will be discarded and stomped on like Ms. Beatty was to Kwame. I only hope that I will be here to see it.
Toodles!
October 19th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Tafelski is no threat to the machine. He pulled a petition for Mayor and backed out because he knew he didn’t have a chance. O’Reilley CAN be beat by someone willing to clean up City Hall and be transparent. Prus is offering us that. He has my vote.
October 19th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Does anyone know what multiple Dearborn pensioneer and amateur campaign literature writer Doyne Jackson is doing these days after retiring from his most recent position as court administrator of Dearborn’s scandal-ridden 19th District Court?
October 19th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Why doesn’t someone ask the question to the city council and the mayor? Why the discrepancey in the tax bills?
October 19th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Those of you interested in comparing SEV and taxation rates might be interested in comparing taxes paid by Mr. Trudeau’s former Fairlane Woods condominum neighbors, Judge William Hultgren and co-owner Julie Pucci to those paid by their peers. Their taxes were consistently lower than others in that area.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Ray Trudeau and Joe Guido got plenty of free passes from the ex-mayor and the building depts than you could shake a 2×4 with! If the voters re-elect any of the current people in office the downward spiral will only continue. Someone has to get rid of mark guido especially and he isn’t voted in! Dearborn’s motto “What’s in it for ME”! Oh and council people aren’t the only people with tax breaks, how ’bout the supervisor in B&S with all the homestead rentals he had?
October 19th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
For one thing, It would be nice if all elected officials had Background Checks prior to taking any office. But they don’t and so we have to depend on people who are in the know to let us know if we are voting for someone of questionable character.
I have heard/read information regarding most incumbents and non-incumbents. It would behoove any candidate to step up and make clear any disinformation railed against them.
If Mr. Tafelski doesn’t personally address the “supposed rumors” then what are the voters to think. Does Mr. Tafelski have to address them? No, he does not but silence only makes you look guilty. Being silent while other people fight your battles on DeepSaid only makes you look like a sissy!
October 19th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
@ DSW
“Nancy Siwik’s actions questioning Councilman Doug Thomas and his residency, no one can accuse her of hiding behind an anonymous letter.”
Riiiight, but everyone is accusing her of the motives behind that actions. These are slander pieces, this is what being involved with a MIGHTY city council race comes with. Rockstar status..
btw, there is always Beatty to every Kwame.
October 19th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
Shady says:
Someone has to get rid of mark guido especially and he isn’t voted in! Dearborn’s motto “What’s in it for ME”! Oh and council people aren’t the only people with tax breaks, how ’bout the supervisor in B&S with all the homestead rentals he had?
You know that Mark G. isn’t going anywhere, unless he gets indicted for something…
I think I know which B&S sup you’re referring to–are his initials A.P.? Long before I had the displeasure of trying to deal with him, I knew one of his tenants–he had the nerve to boast that he got alot of free work on his properties, as there were various contractors who owed him favors for being allowed to work in Dbn. So much sleaze in City Hall & I’m sure I don’t know but a fraction of it. If only Mr. O had the cojones to really clean house. I really like Prus for telling it like it is–the crooks in City Hall are a bigger threat to our fair city than even the rotten economy. One can only hope the FBI has been paying close attention…
October 20th, 2009 at 9:08 am
MyTwoSenseToo – I totally agree … if it was me, whether I was an elected city official like Tafelski, one of the canidates, or even Siwik who I am sure knows that her motives have been questioned … I would absolutely want to address the issue publicly and make a statement disspelling any concerns and suspicions.
YG – I am one of the people who has been suspicious of Siwik’s motives and timing, I’ve said so on this site. However, I do respect her for stating her concerns about DT at a public city council meeting and not hiding behind a stupid letter. But I do wish that she would explain why she decided to speak out now, why not before the primaries … her timing seems odd to me and that’s what makes me wonder about her motives.
Siwik knows what people are saying, why doesn’t she come forward to explain? Same for Tafelski! And I don’t give DT a lot of credit, but he did at least try to explain publicly what his situation was … of course, I don’t think anyone bought it, but at least he tried.
October 20th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Maybe it is time for Smooth Tom Tafelski to get bumped down. He is over rated & greasy.
October 20th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
O’Reilly has asked a lot of us to jump on Tom T., however I refuse to do so. He should attack the Big O, if for no other reason, that the Big O is embarrassed that TT tried to shut him up at last nights council meeting, and hewas furious, ans said afterwards I’ll get that wannabe, and show him not to mess with me.
October 20th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Lets get rid of O’Reilley too!
October 20th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
it seems like Tafelski, was on edge as well, Sareini kept asking questions.. also, sidenote, Hubbard is senile and all, but Tafelski is a complete TOOL towards her.
blah blah proof reading.. blah blah memo.. why wldnt, cldnt you have this memo done and ready for the city council meeting?
October 20th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
People have been told that they need to file a FOIA request to get a copy of the memo. WTF? What could possibly be so sensitive or be so burdensome that this would be necessary, Ms. Walling? Shouldn’t the citizens be entitled to see such an important document so they can make their own decision about Mr. Thomas? Or, maybe you want to control all information and don’t think this is a public matter? What could be more of the citizen’s business than whether a council member is eligible? More crap and more secrecy only leads to more distrust, Mr. Mayor! Oh, and I love how you moved on this so quickly, but you couldn’t be bothered when Mr. Abraham was clearly in default–hah, corporation explanation shows your biases again!
Wake up Dearborn, we will all go down if we don’t get rid of O’Reilly soon.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Nette, you so right, rubber stamp need apply.. what a shame that nothing will change. Dearborn could be such a great city, but NoOoOoOoO.
common sense is right, where are the honest politicians, who wants to make this city grow for their families. City Council is the closet government status to the voters. Who shall save this city, what mover and shaker?? Prus took a hit by the no show at the LWV forum. so what your stuck w JBO for another 4 years, then what? who?
October 21st, 2009 at 5:52 am
Wonder if this decision by the ‘legal team’ was completely against Doug would it have been made public at the meeting.
October 21st, 2009 at 7:32 am
Very good point, Donna. If they had firm information that could embarrass or damage Doug they probably wouldn’t have waited for “proofreading” and would have put it out during a meeting that would be played over and over on local cable.
I’m glad Tafelski is finally at least trying to keep the mayor from dominating the discussion when things get heated.
October 21st, 2009 at 8:36 am
@ Council Watcher, good point on Tafelski, he did shut out JBO…
October 21st, 2009 at 12:27 pm
There could be other reasons for the reluctance to open up the “residency” requirements can of worms. Remember, former Dearborn Schools superintendent John Artis, who landed a plum paid position with the Arab organization ACCESS, never did live in Dearborn during his tenure herein spite of his promises to do so. I’m not sure if residency is a requirement for the schools superintendent, but it sure is for city department heads.
It wouldn’t surprise me if others besides Doug Thomas have questionable residency situations. Bottom line is we all had an opportunity to tighten up not only residency requirements, but attendance requirements for council members and other Dearborn officials when the City Charter Commission was re-writing our charter.
October 21st, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Did the Chief of Police ever move into the city? Was that a requirement for his employment?
October 21st, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I can’t help but wonder why this site hasn’t posted anything about the $5 MILLION snatched from our school district.
October 21st, 2009 at 3:57 pm
MyTwoSenseToo says:
October 21st, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Did the Chief of Police ever move into the city? Was that a requirement for his employment?
Good question. I just checked two websites related to property ownership and addresses and neither one showed anyone named Ronald Haddad
living in Dearborn.
Of course, the records may lag with recent property transactions and/or address changes, but the Dearborn Police Chief is required to live in Dearborn.
This plays to my point that we really don’t know the true residency of any of our city officials and must trust that they are telling the truth.
October 21st, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Our current Superintendent Whiston promised to move to Dearborn too. A full 15 months later he is still NOT here.
October 21st, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Dearborn Mom, I think people are just waiting to see what Whiston and the board have to say about this and what additionally will have to be cut.
October 21st, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Wanting Better: The Supt did purchase a home in Dearborn right after he got hired but has been waiting for the people he purchased from to move out and into a new home in Georgia, which was under construction. With that now complete, he is expected to move into his Dearborn home in the coming weeks.
October 21st, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Debbie Wa Wa wasn’t going to disclose her opinion, at the council meeting the other nigth because Big Jack wasn’t done proofreading everything, and everyone knows that Debbie does what Big Boy wants.
October 21st, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Interesting how this thread has strayed from election dirt to whether superintendents live in the city.
@ Dearborn Mom
This site and Dearborn News Online don’t attempt to be full-service news media, they’re well done for what they are, but they are sidelines for their originators and don’t have news-gathering staffs to actually cover the news in this town. Most often, they e-publish news releases and occasionally get into actual news, as Deep did with the Doug Thomas items. This is not a knock on the sites, just pointing out why they don’t cover every big story in town.
Besides that, there isn’t much they could publish in coverage of the school funding cut that hasn’t already been reported widely elsewhere. As far as people voicing their opinions on the matter, Dearborn News Online has had an item posted on the school funding since yesterday morning and it has generated only 3 comments.
October 21st, 2009 at 8:11 pm
@ Get your facts Straight: Are you the personal assistant to the superintendent?You sure know a lot about dear old Brian. You mean to tell me that the people he bought his house from wouldn’t leave? Then why were they selling their house? I’m not a lawyer but I think you can evict someone if they don’t leave your house, or he could just tell them no more! Fifteen months is quite a long time. I’ll believe this move when I see it. You hold your breath and I’ll wait over here with the ambulance to save you when you turn blue.
October 21st, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Just the Facts: You must be new to this site. I’ve been following Deep’s site for nearly five years now and he routinely beats the local papers to news. So the Thomas story isn’t the first one. No doubt he might use local news releases but he has great insight about Dearborn and I enjoy visiting here even if it is a sideline, as you say.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:29 am
15 years in Dearborn and I’d move back in a heartbeat if it were the same as I remembered it (and I could get a job). You all have turned this city full of history, culture, beautiful homes and seniors with wisdom second to none into your own Jerry Springer show complimented by a tar patched, pot-holed main street littered with vacant commercial real estate. No wonder.
I was once proud to say I’m from Dearborn. No more. I’ll just mention “Michigan” from now on.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:24 am
DSW Fan
Ive seen Just The Facts on here many of times. S/He is not new. In fact- Just The Fact one of the most insightful POV’s on here…..
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:24 am
@DSW Fan: Nope, not new to the site and I enjoy visiting it, too. I was just commenting on Dearborn Mom’s note of surprise that Deep hadn’t posted a major news item related to school funding yet (he has since then). Actually, I was sort of defending him. Deep does a good job, he is familiar with Dearborn in a news sense (“great” insight? eh …), and this is a decent alternative to our fading local newspapers.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Get your facts straight,
YES you are RIGHT. Whiston owns a home in Dearborn that is 100% homesteaded even though he has NEVER moved into it (according to you). His home in Waterford is ALSO 100% homesteaded. I think this is illegal. The same thing that got Doug Thomas in hot water. Getting a tax break from 2 cities, 2 counties. Don’t say he just bought. WRONG. He has owned the home since August 2008. YES, 2008. Getting a BIG break and cheating our City for over a year! The Dearborn’s powerful way. He has learned well.
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:28 pm
If Debbie Walling’s report shows that Doug Thomas does not meet the residency requirements for run for city council, what happens? The election is less than two weeks away. Will Adrenne Wygonik appear on the ballot? Will there be time to do this? What will this co$$$t Dearborn taxpayers?
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:58 pm
This is the type of person we are trusting to run our schools? Way to go schoolboard, you actually found us another looser. I am finding it very hard to see the positives in this city.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Im sure that the memo, states that the Dearborn powers at be and NS were mistaken.. why else wld they not make an announcement on tv.. that runs over and over and over.. and online
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:46 am
We were purposely mislead by Big O and Debbie Walling that there findings were scandal worthy. Because there was nothing to say, they said nothing and hoped you would believe it was bad. I feel lied to. Time for Big O to go!