Dearborn City Officials Sworn In for 2010-2013 Term
John B. O’Reilly, Jr. sworn in Wednesday for his first full term as Mayor of Dearborn, pointed to family, community and citizens of Dearborn as keys to the success of our city.
“As we look at how we will go forward, we will have to work hard and to endure,” said O’Reilly, Jr. at inaugural ceremonies Wednesday evening in the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. ”We are not going back to something that was but something that can be.”
O’Reilly, who had previously been City Council president for 17 years, has been mayor since February 2007. He was elected to finish out the remaining term of the late Mayor Michael Guido.
Wayne County Circuit Judge Charlene M. Elder handled the swearing in of each elected official, while Wayne County Commissioner Gary Woronchak was the master of ceremonies.
In addition to the mayor, City Clerk Kathleen Buda, who ran unopposed this election, and council incumbents, Thomas P. Tafelski, Suzanne Sareini, George T. Darany, who is serving a second but first full term, Mark Shooshanian and Robert A. Abraham were all sworn in. Brian C. O’Donnell, the newest member of the council, also took the oath of office. All were elected to serve from 2010 to 2013.
Tafelski will continue to serve as council president because he was the top vote getter in the November election. As president he will earn $17,267 a year, plus $85 per meeting or about $7,661 extra for up to 90 meetings. The other council members will earn $14,409 annually and the same per-meeting rate.
Tafelski said his primary focus in his next term will be to promote Dearborn in a positive way.
“I will pledge to do one thing: I will put Dearborn first,” Tafelski said.
Sareini will serve as council pro-tem, running council meetings when Tafelski is absent. She finished with the second highest number of votes, her best finish ever in this her sixth term in office. The pro-tem spot was previously held by Hubbard, who barely made it into the seventh seat on council finishing just 548 votes ahead of eight-place finisher, David Bazzy.
Of the seven council members, Abraham and Darany delivered the most statesmanlike speeches after being sworn in, outlining their vision for the city in their next term. Abraham spoke of his commitment to stabilize our neighborhoods, getting a handle on the city’s growing number of rental properties and working with police to prevent neighborhood crimes.
“If it takes a village . . . it will take this entire city, county and state to keep our neighborhoods safe, clean and quiet,” Abraham said.
About 300 people attended the event, including many family members of elected officials and City Hall employees, which was held in the Michael A. Guido Theater at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. After the inauguration, a reception was held in the theater lobby.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:19 am
seems like lots of movers n shakers there tonight. Hard to believe that all those ego’s could fit into such a room.
I bet Bobby’s speech was “statesmanlike” he is so dapper but I have to wonder if Micheal wrote it for him?
December 31st, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Actually, it was a very nice event. Regardless of what you might think of some of our elected officials, this is an event worth attending as it only happens every four years. I am glad I went.
December 31st, 2009 at 2:46 pm
@ Jeanette, Im sure you were of the 30% who voted as well..
December 31st, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I enjoyed the event and was glad I went too. And yes, I was one of the 30% who voted. I have to say that there were a few speeches that were GREAT!! Even if some of them went a little long.
December 31st, 2009 at 7:52 pm
I was at the event too, the one who looked like a bum, ha. Anyway It was a great and exciting event specially with all the bagpipes and I met Mr. Deep himself. Even though I dont always agree and didnt vote for all of them, It was still a pleasure shaking hands with and meeting com. Waranchack, Mayor O’Reilly, Kathy Buda and all 7 council members and wished them the best, and as Jeanette said, I am also glad I went as something like this only happens once every four years.
December 31st, 2009 at 9:50 pm
I believe WCC last name is spelled…. Woronchak…
IER..
January 1st, 2010 at 11:31 am
Nice event, but with the following loud complaint: it was totally inappropriate to have alcohol at this event. Not only should the public NOT have to pay for it, but it sends the entirely WRONG message. (I do drink, by the way, but I don’t expect the taxpayers to pay for it.) Mayor and others: you may do whatever you like at your own fundraisers or private parties, but do not do this on mine and others’ dime!
January 1st, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Easy Dearbornette, it was only beer and wine. i understand your point but after hearing some of those council folks wax on, thanking their family, pets, friends, and on and on and on . . . i needed a drink to take the edge off. councilman Mark S doesn’t say much at council meeting and true to form didn’t say much here. three stars to him for that. but the rest. way too much. my tax dollars, too. a free beer was okay by me.
January 1st, 2010 at 7:40 pm
LOL… sweeeet… beer and wine at the event..
Stay Classy Dearborn…
January 1st, 2010 at 7:51 pm
They would have probably had a bigger crowd if they had advertised beer and wine.
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Glad for your input Donna, I hope you truly believe this to be true, because you got burned on your last fib, with the deli remarks.