The downtown West Dearborn business deck is being shuffled again due to the closing of one longtime hair salon and a restaurant deal that is no longer going to happen.

A sign to patrons hangs in the door of Salon West.

The bad news begins with the closing of Salon West, a hair salon and spa that after 18 years in Dearborn was forced to close.

Blame the closing on the tough economy. Patrons of the salon will recall that the owner several years ago poured thousands of dollars into a major remodeling of the facility and added a spa to go along with haircuts.

Trouble is Salon West reopened when the economic slide was just beginning. Combine that with the opening of Om Spa directly across the street and you had the perfect storm. The closing is unfortunate.

Just across the street from Salon West, a vacant building that earlier in the year had signs proclaiming La Shish was reopening in it is now dead. The vacant building once housed a blues bar called George and Harry’s. The restaurant owner – the same person who owns the recently reopened La Shish at Michigan and Oakman in East Dearborn – ran into several obstacles trying to open the restaurant, including with DTE Energy and the current placement of some of its power equipment, the adjacent business owner and the city of Dearborn. In the end, he simply was unable to reach a deal with building’s owner.

Morris Goodman, a Dearborn attorney, past president of the Dearborn Democratic Club, a longtime political activist and observer and regular reader of Deepsaidwhat.com has jumped into the severance payment scandal swirling around Turkia Awada Mullin, the former assistant Wayne County executive.

Bottom-line: Goodman says Wayne County Executive Bob Ficano should ask her to resign from her new job as CEO of the authority that oversees Metro Airport, a position in which she has zero experience. His column begins below:

Morris Goodman

In Alcoholics Anonymous there is the expression that an alcoholic only makes progress over his addiction when he becomes “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Well, the citizens of Wayne County need to declare they are “sick and tired” of the continuing scandal over the insanity of the Turkia Awada Mullin severance payment scandal. It is simply insane for anyone in the Wayne County or Metro Airport hierarchy to believe that it was OK to pay Ms. Mullin $200,000 in a severance payment when she voluntarily left her position as the county’s development director to take a higher paying job at the airport. Even more insane is that a week later she received another $25,000 for accumulated sick and vacation days when she signed a document that the $200,000 is all she would get.

 It is simply incredible that when the story broke both Ms. Mullin and County Executive Bob Ficano initially defended the severance payment as well-earned and then within days both said that the $225,000 in severance and sick/ vacation days would be returned. The severance was either well earned or it was not. If it was not, then returning the money does not hide the irreversible stain of the certainly unconscionable, and arguably illegal, original payment.

 As I was driving to work on Monday October 24, I was listening to WJR’s Paul W. Smith interview one of the Free Press reporters involved in the Mullin severance investigation. A recording of what County Executive Bob Ficano said to Smith on his show on September 29 was played. Ficano said the contract with Mullin to pay her a severance was not uncommon. He also said that Mullin had done a great job for the county by bringing $5.5 billion dollars worth of new development to Wayne County. Who had given him this information?

 The Free Press reporter had written a story the previous day about how Mullin has overstated the amount of development she or her department aided by over $2 billion – a classic example of frowned upon “Resume’ inflation.” Smith commented that the continuing revelations about the questionable actions and retractions surrounding this story were tantamount to “blood in the water”. The sharks are circling. How much longer can this go on?

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Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad

Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad on Thursday was named one of the top public officials of the year, one of nine leaders across the U.S. who were recognized as the best and brightest in state, city and county government by Governing magazine.

The annual awards program, now in its 18th year, recognizes the top state and local government officials for their leadership and accomplishments in their positions and communities.

Here is what the editorial team of Governing magazine had to say about Dearborn Chief Haddad:

“Home to the nation’s most concentrated Arab community, Dearborn, Michigan, boasts one of the most widely admired approaches to counterterrorism — one pioneered by the city and state’s first Arab-American police chief. Heralded as a model for the nation and for federal policy, Haddad’s approach uses community-based policing to defend against violent extremism.  A 7 percent drop in crime in 2010 and Dearborn’s culture of trust and civic engagement are testaments to Haddad’s success.

” . . . Haddad has formed relationships built on trust and respect with all members of his community, particularly the Arab and Muslim populations. Haddad has pioneered a new approach to counterterrorism, using community-based policing as a way to defend against violent extremism.

“[There] can’t be this boots-on-the-ground sort of militaristic, machismo attitude about countering terrorism,” says Juliette Kayyem, the former assistant secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “It has to be one of civic engagement, and I think the Dearborn model is a model for the nation and for federal policy.”

Governing magazine says that Public Officials of the Year are selected from nominations submitted by readers, experts in the public and private sectors, and its editorial team. Among the qualities recognized are leadership, courage, innovation, creativity and good management. Governing magazine has named a total of 167 people as Public Officials of the Year since it began the awards.

“These dynamic state, city and county public officials faced both economic and political challenges,” said Governing Publisher Fred Kuhn in a statement. “Through their collective vision, these stellar leaders worked to better not only their communities but to set an example for future leaders to follow.”

You can view a Kiwanis Club of Dearborn video interview with Chief Haddad about his career by clicking HERE.

What’s your best Dearborn story?

That was the question posed by the Dearborn Historical Museum earlier this month, and residents and former residents have deluged the museum with favorites — dozens and dozens of them, written out and signed, up close and personal.

As a result, a prospective book project announced by the museum as a fundraiser three weeks ago is officially on. It will contain more than 100 favorite stories, it is expected to be priced around $20, and it should be back from the printer as a soft-cover publication before Dec. 1.

The book, the first of its kind ever compiled by the museum, is titled “Best Dearborn Stories: Voices From Henry Ford’s Hometown.”

“I’ve always believed that people love to share stories about themselves and their towns, so I’m not at all surprised at the response,” said L. Glenn O’Kray, vice chair of the Dearborn Historical Commission and coordinator of the project.

“Even though we set a very short deadline for submitting the stories, I think it just encouraged everybody to sit down and write instead of putting it off. We had an original goal of 300 stories, but realistically that would have been too many for one book. We do plan to keep additional stories as they come in, anticipating that we’ll have more than enough for a sequel next year.

“As it is, we should have the books available for sale at the museum in plenty of time for Christmas shopping.”

Publishing costs are being underwritten by the Museum Guild of Dearborn, a nonprofit group of more than 20 clubs that support the museum. The Guild is finalizing a contract with a printer for a rush job on the book, which will be sold at the museum’s gift shop at the McFadden-Ross House, 915 Brady.

Profits from sales of the book will go to the museum, which has begun a membership drive to help keep its doors open after city funds run out during the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2012.

In case you missed it, Dearborn resident Paula Hamilton-Stokes, who was elected and served on the Dearborn Charter Commission in 2007, says the city’s move to try and eliminate Dearborn’s Civil Service Commission through a ballot question sets a bad precedent.

In a column that first appeared in the Dearborn Press & Guide last week, she said she does not support Proposal Three, which would eliminate the Civil Service Commission.

“As one of nine former, elected Charter Commissioners I was charged with revising the city of Dearborn Charter. We laboriously scrutinized every section.

“We spent a minimum of time discussing Civil Service. Why…? There was little to discuss. The Civil Service Commission is doing its job. The Human Resources Department is doing its job, and the protections written into the charter are still valid today, perhaps even more so.

“Michigan’s governor has made it quite clear he will find the extra funds he is looking for, possibly at the expense of state employees, be they involved in teaching, or working at the local government level. The residents and the employees need Civil Service to continue standing sentry, looking out for our best interest.

“Changing the City Charter, a mere three years after its unanimous passage, sets a dangerous precedent. If the “powers that be” don’t like something, just re-word it so it suits you. We could find ourselves changing lots of things just because a few don’t approve.”

Hamilton-Stokes raises an interesting question. What has changed in three years since voters approved the City Charter that city leaders now have decided to bring Proposal 3 to the ballot?

Dearborn voters can learn more about the three ballot proposals to be decided in the Nov. 8 election by watching a League of Women Voters forum on the topics on CDTV, the City of Dearborn’s official television channel.

During the Nov. 8 election, Dearborn voters will be asked to make decisions about temporarily increasing the funding for City services and authorizing a dedicated source of revenue for the library system.

A third ballot proposal asks voters to decide if the Civil Service System should be eliminated from the City Charter.

The ballot proposal forum was hosted by the Dearborn-Dearborn Heights League of Women Voters in the Dearborn City Council Chambers.

CDTV is now broadcasting the ballot proposal forum on cable channel 12 on Comcast and cable channel 10 on WOW on the following schedule:

• Mondays and Wednesdays: 6 a.m., 10 a.m., 2 p.m. (Mondays only), 6 p.m., and 10 p.m.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 11 p.m.

• Fridays: 6 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m.

• Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4 p.m. (Saturday only)

The League’s forum can be viewed any time at the City of Dearborn’s website, www.cityofdearborn.org

During the forum, Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. addressed questions from the League of Women Voters and audience members about the three ballot proposals.

Proposal 1 asks voters to decide if the City’s operating tax rate should be temporarily increased by no more than 3.5 mills for no more than 5 years. The operating tax is the most critical source of funding for most City services.

Proposal 2 asks voters to decide if they want to authorize a 1 mill dedicated tax for library services for no more than 10 years.

The forum also includes a presentation by Eric Lupher, director of local affairs for the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, who gave a general overview about Civil Service Systems.

His information was background for Proposal 3, which asks voters to decide if the Civil Service System should be eliminated in Dearborn.

City Attorney Debra Walling joined the Mayor in answering questions about Dearborn’s Civil Service System, which applies to certain City of Dearborn employees.

The League also held a forum with the candidates for the Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education. There are four candidates for two school board positions, which will be decided in the Nov. 8 election.

CDTV will broadcast the school board candidate forum every day from now until Nov. 8.

On the Nov. 8 election day, polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more election information, call the City Clerk’s office at 943-2032.

The first of three Town Hall meetings with the Dearborn Police Department to discuss how residents and police can work together to prevent crimes in neighborhoods kicks off this evening at Bryant Middle School beginning at 7 p.m.

Representatives from the Dearborn Police Department will also explain the specific ways the department serves the community.

During the Town Hall events, residents can meet Police Chief Ronald Haddad, learn about crime patterns in their neighborhood, see police vehicles on display, get free child identification kits, pick up crime prevention material, and sign up for timely police and traffic alerts via the NIXLE communication system.

Bryant Middle School is located at 460 North Vernon St.

The next free Town Hall Meetings are:

• 7 p.m. Thursday, October 27

City Council Chambers, Dearborn City Hall, 13615 Michigan Ave.

.• 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 2

Dearborn Public Schools Administration Building, 18700 Audette

The onset of autumn and cooler weather generally marks the beginning of the flu season.  As a preventive health measure, the Wayne County Department of Public Health is offering flu shots for residents at its clinics in Wayne, Taylor and the Redford area.

The flu season typically runs from November through April, but can start as early as October and end as late as May, according to the Wayne County Health Dept. Each year, the flu vaccine is specially formulated to protect against the types of flu viruses currently circulating annually worldwide, such as seasonal and H1N1 strains.

The flu is a mild to severe contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can lead to serious complications in some individuals, including persons with chronic medical conditions and seniors, and can even result in death.

The cost of the flu vaccine is $15 for adults and $10 for qualifying children. Payment is by cash only. Medicaid will also be accepted.

Vaccines are offered for adults and children, six months of age and older, on walk-in days and by appointment. Public Health flu shot clinic hours are as follows:

Wayne Health Center

33030 Van Born Road (at Venoy), Wayne

734-727-7100

Walk- in Days: Monday and Thursday , 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Appointment only: Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Taylor Health Center

26650 Eureka Road (east of Inkster Road), Taylor

734-955-3900

Walk-in Days: Monday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Appointment only: Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Redford Area Health Office

17421 Telegraph Road, Detroit

313-537-1708

Appointment only: Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

For more information concerning family flu vaccinations at Wayne County’s public health clinic locations, call the Wayne County Department of Public Health at (734) 727-7000.

For additional influenza and flu prevention facts, visit HERE.

The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary serving the greater Dearborn Community and will mark the occasion with a day-long open house at The Center on Thursday, October 20.

The Center will have free admittance all day to the swimming pools, gymnasiums and fitness area, beginning at 5:30 a.m. The day is hosted by the Recreation & Parks Department.

Starting at 6 p.m., representatives from the department’s many partnership organizations—including our youth sports and cultural arts groups—will be available in the lobby area to answer questions and pass out information concerning their specific organization.

From 6-8 p.m. the Open House will feature organized activities—such as soccer clinics, basketball tournaments, climbing wall races, a Zumba jam session, and an open video taping with 50 Amp Fuse in the theater—along with t-shirt giveaways, drawings for iPods and light refreshments.

In addition, the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department will unveil it new logo.

For further information, call 943-2350.

With the closing of its Health Department this summer as part of budget cuts, the city of Dearborn is reminding residents that they will need to look elsewhere to obtain flu shots this year.

City officials say that while Dearborn no longer offers flu shots, residents may consider Wayne County Health and Human Services (734-955-3900) and ACCESS Community Health and Resource Center in Dearborn (313-216-2200).

On Saturday, Oct. 22, flu shots for those 18 and older will be offered during a free clinic at the ACCESS Community Health and Resource Center, 6450 Maple St.

The clinic will be 10 a.m. – 3 p.m and is sponsored by ACCESS and the Health Alliance Plan (HAP) of Michigan,

Senior citizens may choose to attend the Dearborn Senior Health and Information Expo on Nov. 9, during which $5 flu shots will be available from DMC (Detroit Medical Center) from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The expo will be in the Hubbard Ballroom of the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave. There is no charge for admission to the Expo, which also includes a wide range of health screenings.