Darany, Tafelski Make Run for State House Seat
On a snowy Monday when schools were closed and others struggled on slippery roads to get to work, Dearborn Councilman George Darany made the trek in his car to the Wayne County offices in Detroit. His mission? File the paperwork to officially become a candidate for the 15th District seat in the Michigan House of Representatives.
Dearborn Councilman Darany announces run for state House seat.
“I wasn’t going to let the weather hold me up,” Darany tells Deepsaidwhat.com. “This was the day I said I would do it and I am out doing it. I want people to know that I am serious about this seat. Anyone else thinking about it will be up against someone who will be very aggressive.”
And so begins the race for the seat of state Rep. Gino Polidori, D-Dearborn, who cannot seek re-election because of term limits.
So far, Darany and Linda Tafelski, a retired schoolteacher, are the only two people to file campaign paperwork for the $80,000 a year job. Like Darany, Tafelski, the mother of Dearborn City Council President Thomas Tafelski, will have name equity in this race.
The decision by Darany to run might seem strange to some as just last month he was sworn in to his first full-term as a City Council member. The reality, however, is this is a perfect time for him to seek the House seat.
Darany was the third highest vote getter in the last election, so he certainly would be carrying some momentum going into the Democratic primary election on Aug. 3. If he wins, he would then run against the Republican Party candidate in the Nov. 2 general election. The House seat is a two-year position and limited to three terms.
And if he doesn’t win, he still retains his seat on the Dearborn City Council.
“This is my time,” said Darany, 53, a lifelong Dearborn resident. “This is the best time for me to run for this seat because it is an open seat. The last three people that held that office held it for six years. I didn’t want to wait another six years for that opportunity to come up again.
“I am going to help Dearborn in one capacity or another. Either way, I can help. Certainly, in Lansing I can even do more.”
You can bet that David W. Bazzy will be cheering that Darany lands a seat in Lansing. Bazzy finished eighth in his first run for a Dearborn City Council seat, just 548 votes behind Councilwoman Nancy Hubbard who squeaked into the final and seventh council seat. If Darany leaves for Lansing, Bazzy would move onto council and serve out Darany’s term.
Tafelski tells the Dearborn Times Herald that she believes her educational background makes her a perfect fit for the job. She told the paper her primary campaign platform will be jobs through education.
“Because of the funding problems for our schools that were brought about by Lansing and my educational background, I felt it was a natural fit and, even bigger, I felt it necessary to do my part,” Tafelski told the Dearborn Times Herald.
Darany. Tafelski. So far we have two. Who else might throw their hat in? With less than six months to go until the primary, the clock is ticking.
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Hmm. So Darany puts in three years on city council and now figures he is seasoned enough to run for state house? I like George and would vote for him over Linda. But I think he could do more for Dearborn here.
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Here we go again!
Is this the best that we have from Dearborn to represent us in Lansing. If ever there was a time for experience it is now. After 6 years of the retired firemen representing us in Lansing it is time to send someone that can deliver.
What has State Representative delivered for Dearborn? Nothing. The damage done to Dearborn schools and businesses over the past 6 and 8 years may not be able to be repaired. I wish that I never voted for him or Governor Granholm. I am proud to say that I am now an Independent after 35 years as a card holding Democrat.
Now, a one term city councilman, George Darany. wants a promotion to State Representative. He was just sworn in a few weeks ago. He knew that the State Rep seat was open when he ran for council. What has he accomplished in his short tenure as a city councilman??? If he was a sincere public servant, and truly wanted to be a State Rep. he should resign from the council. We know that it is not going to happen. Bottom line, just another professional politician jumping from office to office to stuff their pockets with our money and feather their bed.(i.e., George Hart).
Who else wants to get in the game, Linda Tafelski? Is this person related to Tom Tefelski? I heard that she was Tom’s mother. Wow. Can you say political nepotism? It is not time for armature hour where the Dearborn Rep. gets on the job training from her old union bosses.
Hopefully some other qualified candidates will challenge these political opportunists’ and represent our community in Lansing.
Eastender
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Eastender, I agree with everything you say. I hope for your district that someone with some experience steps up here.
The idea that someone who just won there seat is eyeballing this spot because its ‘his time’ is sort of egotistical of himself.
also your point about Linda Talfelski is right on. Someone who is an educator for 30 some years, do they have a spot in politics? Esp a seat that is represents a huge area. Last names should carry anyone, esp Nancy jr..
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Two weak candidates — one just got reelected (evidentally he can’t make up his mind), and a wannabe without a job. Two losers, but then again thats what we had in Gino, so does it really matter. Somebody step up to the plate — please.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:17 pm
I think George would do a great job! Good luck.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:20 pm
What’s with Darany? Doesn’t he know what he wants? The office he presently is running for, is strictly, a position, because they don’t do anything, you can ask Polidori for that answer.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:12 pm
You really think Darany is not qualified? He’s involved in so many groups and organizations across the city. He’s serving his 4th year on City Council. How long do you want someone to serve in an elected position before you think he’s qualified enough to run for another position?
Point me in the right direction of someone who YOU think is qualified to FIX the problems we are having with the State for Dearborn… someone who CARES for Dearborn more than Darany… someone who will step up and has the “experience” you are talking about. Who is this person you are looking for?? really??
I’m a bit perplexed by this!
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Middleground, how can you say that? George Darany just ran for the council all the while he new Gino’s seat was up. Why didn’t he pass on running for council if he intended on running for the Rep seat? What is he going to run for next, clerk, Senate???The answer is clear as day…George Darany is just a professional politician that that only cares about himself and not about the community. I call for George to do the honorable thing and resign so that Dave Bazzy can fill the seat. Resign George! This is one vote that I would like a refund on.
Eastender
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Anyone who runs for an elected state seat needs plenty of money regardless of name recognition.
Darany may or may not have a big enough war chest after just running in a City Council election.
A retired teacher’s pension must be wonderful if Linda Tafelski takes this feat on.
I know Dearborn is a big Democrat town but dare I say lets see what a Republican can do now.
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:06 pm
why does someone have to resign from their current position to run for another? And Gino knew Gary Woronchak’s position was up when he ran and he was a sitting council member.
Evidently if you knew George Darany you wouldn’t be saying these things.
It’s a shame that some people think this way.
and if someone else from Council decides to run for the same spot, are you going to be that upset with them as well? Should BOTH people currently sitting on Council that are running for the same position resign? Really?
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:36 pm
That Democrat ballot is going to be pretty crowded—reportedly Aimee Blackburn, Tarek Baydoun (Beydoun?), Mark Hammoud, and Faye Baydoun (Beydoun?) are planning to run as well. Should be exciting.
The Republican ballot could be even more interesting, and reportedly will include Suzanne Sareini.
Too bad council members don’t have to resign their seats when they run for another office. Otherwise, we could look forward to a couple of changes..
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:50 pm
I think the best way way to describe the feeling about George’s move is…
turned off…
I voted for George this past August and then again November.
I had wonder why he was at so many Dearborn Public School events and so on. I can see now that he was just making his face shown.
Also I wonder why Linda would want to get her feet wet in some smaller election rather then jump into this one?
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:21 pm
middleground simmer down….Are you doing damage control for Darany
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:41 pm
I’m asking questions, I’m not doing any damage control. I’m trying to understand where everyone is coming from.
I’m thoroughly amazed at how cynical people can turn on someone so quickly. and the man is seen at just about everything and has been for years. No difference this year vs years past.
Believe what you want but until someone can answer my questions with FACTS and solid well thought out comments, I’ll just sit and try to “simmer down”.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Darany and any other currently elected officials who run for another office (such as state rep) will have a grossly unfair advantage over other candidates as they will continue to receive free publicity on the city of Dearborn public access channel, at council meetings which are televised, and at events such as the Memorial Day Parade in Dearborn, which forbids political candidates from campaigning and working the crowd, but allows city council members and other elected officials to take part in the parade.
Sigh…
February 24th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Old all day school mom:
All great points, but I think most important is the access to the senior housing buildings. There are hundreds of seniors-many of whom vote- and current council members are allowed in but non members are not. There is the real robbery!!
February 24th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
I don’t know what the fuss is all about. Sure, a current office-holder has those advantages, just as an incumbent has an advantage over a challenger. Unfair? I don’t know how we could avoid it.
Remember how the City Clerk was sort of appointed to her position? When another worker from the office wanted to run against her, HE had to resign his position. She, as the office holder, kept her job. In a way, that was unfair.
And, please, don’t compare George Darany to George Hart. George Darany was always willing to help the Edsel Ford music department by bringing both of his Dearborn Trolleys through the annual car wash. Not only did those trolleys help raise money, but they raised spirits as well. And before you assume the kids were saving him money by washing the trolleys, George’s crew had to re-shine all the brass before the trolleys went on their professional duties later in the day.
I don’t know George Darany well, but I have always found him to be sincere and genuine. Again, don’t compare him to George Hart. The fact that he keeps one position while seeking another? How much do you think council members make, anyhow?
February 24th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
“It is not time for armature hour where the Dearborn Rep. gets on the job training from her old union bosses.”
“Armature hour”? Is there an electrician running?
I think it would be cool if Dave Bazzy ran for the state rep. job. If he wins, great. If he loses to Darany, he’s still got the council job. Tough call though. If he takes too many votes away from Darany and Tafelski’s mom wins, he doesn’t get the council seat. Safe bet would be to campaign for George, right?
It will be interesting to see who the spoiler candidates are in this one.
Then again, who cares? What’s a state rep going to do for Dearborn? Best move would be to cut the pay by 70%, make it a part-time legislature and limit the amount of damage they can do by limiting the number of hours they spend in Lansing. Then see who really “cares about Dearborn” enough to give up their council seat.
Were you kidding about Sareini as a Republican? Seriously?
February 24th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
The reason for requiring a politician to resign from his or her position while seeking another office is based on ethics. Case closed.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
It seems that only the people who know Darany personally has good things to say about him, I know him personally to and he will make a darn good candidate, he does alot for Dearborn. But yeah I do think its a misconception about Sareini running as a republican, yes I did hear she may run but I would assume as a democart cause she seems like a democratic person.
February 25th, 2010 at 12:22 am
I don’t think either of them are worthy but give them credit for planning their escape. Dearborn was once a beautiful, respectable place but it’s proximity to Detroit (not to mention the Building & “Safety” Department fiasco which placed Dearborn as, basically, a neo-Detroit) puts it on the endangered list. The cancer has spread.
That Siwik mess connection with Darany makes me lose all possible respect for him. Tom? Well, he needs to just smile and nod — and that’s it.
February 25th, 2010 at 9:19 am
God help us!
February 25th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Sareini is a Republican…and so is former Judge Bill Runco
February 25th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
To ‘Loved Dearborn’ : What connection did Darany have to Nancy Siwik? Are you referring to the Siwik charge against Doug Thomas, that he didn’t really have a ‘homestead’ in Dearborn? I have heard that Siwik was on O’Reilly’s campaign staff, but I haven’t heard of of a connection with Darany. Please explain.
February 25th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Didnt Bill Runco have a few ethics complaints brought against him? Just what we need in Lansing.
February 26th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Just a man looking to raise his gov. pay day. This is a joke! These politicions are all over paid for the work they do. Seems the only way to make a good salary now a days is to get a gov. job. They should all take pay cuts like the rest of us honost working people. And the bennies?? I dont even want to get started on that….. Did not vote for Obama and would not vote for darany. Someone needs to deflate their egos.
February 26th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
The people running this city have no loyalty! Only to them. And no back bone either! They are scared to make waves and do what is right. They lookout for their friends and own interests. They would and have turned thier backs on businesses that have been in this city for decades. They lookout for #1. And that is not us.
February 27th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Wow- the points here are crazy! Here’s the bottom line-
Vote
Quit smearing these people- if you’re so perfect- use your real name here! As a matter of fact- post your phone number and email address too
February 27th, 2010 at 11:18 am
Blackburn? Again? She must have Sharon Dulmagitus disease.
February 27th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
sm 1968 — I would address you by name, but you didn’t post yours either–
a “smear” against someone would involve invoking false accusations. None of the comments has involved false accusations…just facts and opinion.
February 27th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
All these posters claiming that George Darany has no loyalty to Dearborn have me scratching my head. He has a part time post as a city council member. He could have a wider influence as a state congressman, and he is trying for that position. This is not an approach that is new, nor is it despicable. He is trying to ‘climb a ladder.’
As for saying this is some sort of ethical problem…both our candidates for President in 2008 were standing Senators at the time. It is usual that candidates for President are standing office-holders of one kind or another. If only non-office holders could run for office the pool of candidates would shrink greatly. Look, if you don’t like George Darany, that is fine, but his right to seek higher office is the same as anybody’s. His experience as a business owner and City councilman certainly seems a better training ground than Mrs. Tafelski, who has been a schoolteacher for many years. Consider, though, that we had Agnes Dobronski hold state office for us for many years, and her training ground was that she worked in the office of the Dearborn schools! The voters liked her just fine. Those who say we don’t have good candidates have a solution right at their fingertips…they could run for the office themselves.
February 27th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
The George Darany I know is a good man and according to some council members I’ve spoken with, he works mostly full time for the city as a council member and he is one hard working councilman. While I would hate to see Dearborn lose him as a councilman, especially since this is his first full elected term, since he works full time for the city anyhow for part time pay, I cannot say I blame him for wanting to be upwardly mobile by running for a State House Seat.
February 27th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Of course he is a good man Michael, I know cause I know him myself. These people bashing him are just ignorant arseholes who have no life of their own and so use their time to put down others, that’s all.
February 28th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
So…why is it that you have to give up your council seat to run for mayor? What’s the diff????
March 1st, 2010 at 11:54 am
My question to current Dearborn city council members who were just sworn-in to office December 30th, but now are throwing their hats in the ring to run for state rep is why did you run for re-election to Dearborn city council if you knew you were going to turn around within a few months and run for Gino Polidori’s seat, which is up for grabs because of term limits?
The only answer that makes sense is that they want to use the grossly unfair advantages they have over the other candidates who won’t be allowed to campaign at city-owned senior citizens complexes, and won’t get free publicity on the Dearborn public access channels.
Disingenuous??
March 1st, 2010 at 10:17 pm
school mom its because incase they loose the state rep election, they will still have their elected jobs.
March 4th, 2010 at 10:40 am
Well where do I begin. Dearborn’s professional politicians have been running Dearborn politics for too long! Take Gino Polidori, what a joke! How many pensions can he collect from taxpayers? One from the city from the fire department, I assume he will collect something from the city for being on the council for 8 years, and now he will have a pension from the state along with primo health benefits. My guess is that Gino leaves the Dearborn area shortly after his term expires, unless he finds another post to run for. Someone asked who with experience should go to Lansing. Well, maybe its time for a fresh face! Maybe its time to elect someone who doesn’t owe allegiance to so many groups. Maybe it is time for someone who is not worried about being so politically correct, who is not afraid to stand for something. I make it a point not to vote for incumbents in Dearborn, they will get their votes. I vote for new blood – new ideas and not politicians that are entrenched in rhetoric.
March 5th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
Hang in there, Dominic. It’s still early. The deadline for candidates to file for the August primary is May 11th.