2008-07-10 Badalow: 'Eliminate padding' from county budgetBy Rebecca Jones
OBSERVER STAFF WRITER
Janet S. Badalow says she will take an accountant's eye to the Wayne County budget, if elected as the ninth district commissioner.
She said she would go through the budget to "eliminate padding" without stripping departments of the resources to provide services.
Badalow, a Dearborn Heights City councilwoman, is one of four Democrats on the ballot in the August primary.
She previously worked as a tax accountant and financial advisor and holds a master's degree in business administration, with a major in finance and minor in taxation.
Badalow said her top goals are long-term financial planning and communication with constituents.
"I'm here doing their work," she said.
The ninth district includes Redford Township, Dearborn Heights and Garden City. Phil Cavanagh, who has served the district for the past eight years, is running for Wayne County Treasurer.
The winner in the primary will face a Republican challenger in November. The two-year term pays $68,411 a year.
Badalow, 37, is a 30-year resident of Dearborn Heights. She was first elected to council in 2001 and re-elected in 2005.
She also ran for state Senate in the 5th District in 2006.
Badalow said she's concerned about the number of foreclosures, especially when programs are available.
"It's impacting us all," she said. Badalow said she turns to networking to solve problems. The county should offer one-on-one counseling or a referral service to help homeowners.
She's wants to protect the environment and parks. As someone who worked on the Ecorse Creek and Rouge River clean up 20 years ago, "I don't think the water quality has improved much," she said.
Road maintenance could be better coordinated among the county, state and municipalities, she said. Roadsides aren't being maintained.
"Our city has to go and cut the grass."
"It's little things like that," she said. "I'd like to be a part of the solution."
The county provides mental and public health services for seniors citizens and disabled people. "You can't just rip them away," she said.
But she would like to consult with department heads to streamline where possible.
"You never want to strip a department that provide essential services of the resources needed to provide it," she said.
Badalow would support a four-day workweek for the county. The county could save money and morale would improve.
"People are getting depressed by how much money they don't have any more and how much they're putting into their gas tanks," she said.
rrjones@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2054
2008-06-19 Ice cream truck operator arrested on sex chargeTanveer Ali / The Detroit News
TAYLOR -- A local ice cream truck operator will not be selling desserts to children any time soon after being arrested on sexual conduct charges involving a 13-year-old boy.
David Charles Roark, 37, was arrested June 11 and charged with kidnapping, second-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of child sexually abusive activity. A preliminary exam is scheduled for Monday in 23rd District Court.
Police gave few details of the incident and would not say whether the incident occurred while Roark was on duty. Sgt. Mary Sclabassi said the boy was an acquaintance of Roark and was not a random child picked up on his ice cream route.
Roark leased the truck from a company named Coolies Ice Cream, but was not necessarily the only one who drove the truck, Sclabassi said. Sclabassi said the owners of Coolies insisted that Roark was not an employee of the company.
You can reach Tanveer Ali at (734) 462-2094 or tali@detnews.com.
2008-05-28 Dearborn Hts.: Treat trucks may go quietNo blaring music or loud voices will be allowed on ice cream trucks if the City Council approves a change to the existing noise ordinance. During Tuesday night's meeting, the council had a first reading of a proposal to strengthen the ordinance after hearing complaints from residents about the noise, Councilwoman Janet Badalow said. Other proposed changes are to allow for multiple bells for ice cream vendors on bikes. The ordinance could finally be passed at its next meeting in two weeks. The current ordinance does not address noise from ice cream trucks, Badalow said.
2008-05-27 Ice Cream TrucksDEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. -- Some Dearborn Heights city officials want to silence ice cream trucks. Others said there needs to be exceptions to an ordinance already in place that discourages any vendors from making noise.
The ordinance in place prohibits noise from any huckster, street vendor or peddler while on public streets or in public places for the purpose of attracting attention of the public, including horns, bells, whistles, which technically includes ice cream trucks.
City Attorney Gary Miotke is discussing with the city council the possibility of amending the ordinance to exclude ice cream trucks.
Some members of the city council would like change the ordinance. Others feel there should be no exceptions made and would like to see the ordinance expanded to include all motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and tricycles.
Council members Janet Badalow and Margaret Van Houten said they would like to see additional regulations, including background checks, for ice cream vendors.
"What I'd like to do is include that criminal background check," said Badalow. "It really concerns me that these people are exposed to children. A lot of children."
Badalow said the danger is especially high if a small child is alone. "Sometimes parents are busy. They could be doing the dishes inside and the kids run out (to the ice cream truck)," Badalow said.
Ice cream vendors said they are also concerned about safety, but feel the process could get too expensive.
Ice cream truck operator Melissa Cohen said she's been through the application process several times.
"For everything there is a cost," Cohen said. "It cost (the truck operator) to have a background check every time, in every single city and to have to have an inspection (in each city)."
Cohen also warned that if the expenses get too high the additional cost will be passed on to the customer in the form of higher ice cream prices.
A better idea, suggested Cohen, would be for communities to share information.
Krystina Kramarz, assistant to Mayor Dan Paletko, told the Dearborn Press and Guide the city could browse any public information database - including the Michigan Sex Offender Registry and the Department of Corrections - if there were concerns about a particular vendor.
The city attorney is expected to give the city council a revised version and possibly vote on it next week.
2008-05-18 Candidates file for officeBy Sean Delaney
, Press & Guide Newspapers
DEARBORN HEIGHTS/DEARBORN - Voters will see a few familiar faces on the ballot this August, as many incumbents who previously faced little or no opposition heading into the primary will now have a new field of challengers to contend with.
Candidates seeking partisan or non-partisan office had until 4 p.m. Tuesday to file, and until 4 p.m. Friday to withdraw from their respective race. The August primary ballot will include candidates seeking office at the local, state and federal level.
Locally, Dearborn Heights City Council-woman Janet Badalow, a Democrat, has announced her intention to seek the seat of 9th District Wayne County Commissioner Phil Cavanagh, who has declined to seek re-election.
Joining Badalow on the campaign trail be Paul Feys (D-Redford), Roger Handy (D-Redford), Mark Slater (R-Dearborn Heights), David Parker (D-Redford Township), Dianne Webb (D-Garden City), Jennifer White (D-Redford) and Lily Cavanagh (D-Redford Township), who is also the wife of the current commissioner.
Phil Cavanagh has served as county commissioner for eight years and recently announced his candidacy for Wayne County Treasurer.
He will face some stiff competition however, as more than a dozen candidates seeking the seat filed prior to Tuesday's deadline, including incumbent Raymond Wojtowicz (D-Hamtramck).
Other candidates for Wayne County Treasurer include: Timberly Robinson (R-Detroit), Brendan Dunleavy (R-Plymouth), Keith Windham (D-Detroit), Sigmund John Szxzepkowski, Jr. (D-Riverview), Linda Zebrowski (D-Garden City), Sandra Campbell (D-Detroit), Kevin Kelly (D-Detroit), Beverly Kindle-Walker (D-Detroit), Thomas Marciniak (D-Plymouth) Robert Nozicka (D-Dearborn), Brian O'Donnell (D-Dearborn) and Catherine O'Meara (D-Grosse Pointe Farms).
In Dearborn, Gary Woronchak (D-Dearborn) will seek to keep his seat as Wayne County Commissioner. He will face opposition from William Beddoes (R-Allen Park). The county commissioner is not expected to appear on the ballot in August — his only Democratic challenger, Avery Jackson of Dearborn, has already withdrawn from the race.
Also in Wayne County, Cathy Garrett (D-Detroit) will seek re-election as county clerk. Her opponents include Lanell Buffington (R-Detroit), Coretta Strong (D-Detroit), Margaret Jones (D-Detroit), Michael O'Brien Jr. (D-Detroit) and Diana Stanford (D-Detroit).
Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans (D-Detroit) will also face opposition in August from challengers Darron McKinney (D-Detroit), Taras Nykoriak (R-Detroit) and Robert Brown (D-Detroit).
Bernard Youngblood (D-Grosse Pointe Farms) will also seek to keep his seat at the Wayne County Register of Deeds. His sole opponent is Terrance Hood (D-Detroit). Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy remains unopposed and will not appear on the August primary ballot.
At the state level, Reps. Bob Constan (D-Dearborn Heights), Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township) and Gino Polidori (D-Dearborn) will seek re-election. Rep. Morris Hood II (D-Detroit), who represents the 11th District is not seeking re-election.
Leonard Mier Jr. (R-Dearborn), Anthony Bradford (D-Detroit), Annie Carter (D-Detroit), Darlene Dixon (D-Detroit), Dobey Gavin (D-Detroit), Mia Grillier (D-Detroit), Kim Meeks (D-Detroit), David Nathan (D-Detroit) and Gary Pollard (D-Detroit) have announced their intentions to seek Morris's seat.
Polidori, who represents the 15th District, will skip the August primary ballot. His sole opponent is J. Scott Saionz (R-Dearborn).
Constan, a former Dearborn Heights City Councilman who currently represents the 16th District, will face November opposition from either Republican Mario Nesr Fundarski (Dearborn Heights) and Joseph Smith (Garden City).
Dillon, who is also facing possible recall by a group of Michigan taxpayers and currently serves as the Speaker of the House, will appear on the ballot. Sandra Eggers (R-Livonia), David Malhalab (R-Dearborn Heights), Kerry Morgan (D-Redford Township), David Parker (D-Redford Township) and Frank Tomcsik (D-Redford Township) have announced their intentions to seek the embattled lawmaker's seat.
U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, a Democrat, will defend his seat in November against Jack Hoogendyk Jr., a Republican.
Incumbents Thaddeus McCotter (R-Livonia), John Conyers (D-Detroit) and John Dingell (D-Dearborn) will also seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
McCotter faces opposition from Edward Kriewall (D-Northville) and Joseph Larkin (D-Livonia) while John Lynch (R-Ypsilanti) will challenge Dingell. Conyers sole challenger, Horace Sheffield (D-Detroit) has withdrawn from the race.
Dearborn District Court Judge Mark Somers will also seek to return to the bench this year. His sole opponent is Candyce Ewing Abbatt. Dearborn Heights District Court Judge Mark Plawecki is unopposed.
Contact Staff Writer Sean Delaney at (313) 359-7820 or sdelaney@heritage.com.
2008-05-15 Many newcomers-all Dems-in town racesMay 15, 2008
Many newcomers - all Dems - in town races
By Matt Jachman
OBSERVER STAFF WRITER
Partisan politics may be moot when it comes to Redford elections this year, as all 15 candidates for seven township offices are Democrats.
That means that, barring a successful write-in candidacy, which is highly unlikely, all seven races will be decided in the August Democratic primary rather than in the general election. Winners will take office in late November, after the general election.
Tuesday at 4 p.m. was the deadline for filing candidacy petitions with Clerk Garth Christie's office. Not all petitions had been qualified by Christie's office as of Wednesday morning. Candidates have until 4 p.m. Friday to officially withdraw.
Robert F. Brang Jr., the Democratic township treasurer since 1984 and a member of the Board of Trustees since 1974, did not file for re-election. Competing to replace him are Jessica Mistak, Lily Cavanagh and Kathleen Maher.
Brang couldn't be reached on Wednesday.
Cavanagh and Maher also filed to run for other offices - Cavanagh for the Wayne County Board of Commissioners (she is the wife of incumbent Commissioner Phil Cavanagh, who is running for county treasurer), and Maher for the township board. Each will have to withdraw from one of their races by 4 p.m. Friday.
Also not seeking re-election is board member Kelly Fleming, elected in 2004 on a slate led by R. Miles Handy, who was elected supervisor and is seeking a second term. Handy is being challenged by Trustee Tracey Schultz Kobylarz, who also won in 2004 as part of Team Handy.
"I have never claimed to be a professional politician. I just really wanted to effect positive change in my hometown," Fleming wrote of her decision in an e-mail. She cited the administration and board's success in paving roads, spurring redevelopment and rewriting the township's master plan.
"I feel like I have done what I came here to do," she wrote.
In addition to Maher, board candidates are incumbents Pat McRae and Kim Sivyer, plus Diana Brang Schroeder, Pat Kennedy Micallef, Jeff Boyle, former trustees Kelly Watson and Gerald Gajewski, and South Redford Board of Education member Gregory Morgan.
Handy and Kobylarz are lining up teams of candidates with whom to run.
"It'll be Team Handy," said Handy, who also said "we're still in the process of putting together the final team."
Handy said his teammates so far are Morgan, incumbent Trustees McRae and Sivyer, and incumbent Clerk Christie.
Kobylarz said she's supporting Larkin for treasurer; Kathleen Mooradian, a former Redford Union School Board member who is challenging Christie; and Schroeder for trustee. She hasn't completed her endorsement decisions, she said.
"I believe in independent thinkers," said Kobylarz, who added she and her allies will not present themselves as a formal slate. "I've seen what groupthink can do, and I'm not a fan."
COUNTY BOARD RACE SET
Eight people are vying to replace Phil Cavanagh on the county board. In addition to his wife, Lily, who will have to either drop out of that race or the race for township treasurer, there are six other Democratic candidates: Paul Feys of Redford; Roger Handy of Redford, the father of the township supervisor; Janet Badalow of Dearborn Heights; David Parker of Redford, who also filed to run for the Michigan House of Representatives; Diane Webb of Garden City; and Jennifer White of Redford.
There is one Republican candidate, Mark Slater of Dearborn Heights.
Phil Cavanagh, who was first elected to the county board in 2000, is running for the office of county treasurer. His 9th District is made up of Redford, Dearborn Heights and Garden City.
mjachman@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2115
2008-05-08 Run for Commission seat begins! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MAY 19, 2008
Dearborn Heights City Council Chair Pro-Tem Janet Badalow is pleased to announce her candidacy for the Wayne County Commission - 9th District. The district covers Dearborn Heights, Redford Township, and Garden City.
Councilwoman Badalow, 37, has served Dearborn Heights for over six years. She holds a BSBA in Accounting from Lawrence Technological University and an MBA in Finance from Wayne State University. She has worked as a Financial Consultant and Accountant, experience that will be vital in carrying out the financial responsibilities of Commissioner. Her husband, John Kellett, is a Principal Senior Auditor for Wayne County’s Office of Legislative Auditor General. Her brother, Vaskin, serves on the Dearborn Heights Fire Department and her father, Vaskin, retired as the City’s Magistrate.
Ms. Badalow is active in the Dearborn Heights Goodfellows, the Dearborn/Dearborn Heights League of Women Voters, the Dearborn Heights’ Relay for Life, and is a member of the City’s CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). She currently serves as the Liaison to the Dearborn Heights Commission on Disability Concerns and the Library Advisory Board. Former Detroit City Council President Maryann Mahaffey appointed her to the Finance & Budget Committee at SEMCOG in 2004. She is also a former board member and newsletter Editor for the Divine Child Alumni Association.
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2006-07-30 War survivor shares her storyOn July 17, Amine said she gave up on the United States and started sending e-mails asking for help. One of Amine's e-mails was to Janet Badalow, a 5th District State Senate candidate. Amine said she was instrumental in contacting state officials about the lack of help they were receiving in Lebanon.
2006-06-28 Recreation upgrades pick up speed in Dearborn HeightsThe city's new recreation master plan calls for $13.6 million worth of renovations -- including new skating rinks, a makeover of tennis and basketball courts, and an amphitheater -- that could dramatically change the area's landscape.
The City Council is expected to adopt the plan July 15.
The city plans to use a combination of funding sources, including general fund dollars, community block grants, Michigan Department of Natural Resources grants and a possible bond or millage, officials said.
2006-06-07 Council, Mayor work out BudgetThe Dearborn Heights City Council adopted the 2006-2007 fiscal year corporate fund budget on May 23 following several weeks of discussion and review.
Paletko was able to present the City Council with a balanced budget earlier this year and said that while he and the council may differ on some issues, all seek to do what is best for the city of Dearborn Heights.
The best interests of the residents of Dearborn Heights became a topic of interest early on during the budget review process, as Councilwoman Marge Horvath expressed concern that the city was paying for a position that was unnecessary — that of assistance emergency management coordinator.
The position is currently held by Bob Ankrapp, who came to the city in March 2005 to serve as coordinator for the city's new Community Emergency Response Team training program. Since then, Ankrapp has taken on additional duties including emergency management, public information officer and coordinator of the city's government access channel.
Councilwoman Janet Badalow, who completed the CERT training program, said that she was pleased with the council's decision to keep Ankrapp as assistant emergency management coordinator.
"I felt very empowered after completing the CERT training," Badalow said. "I now know that in an emergency (flooding, plane crash, chemical spill) I can help myself, my family, and my community.
"I believe that the success of our CERT program is due in large part to Bob Ankrapp's enthusiasm, professional experience, and his genuine commitment to the CERT program and the community."
2006-02-12 Council names new people to cultural relations boardBadalow nominated Baydoun during the Dec. 13 meeting of the Council, while Councilman Bob Constan nominated Ashker on Tuesday.
Baydoun, a Dearborn Heights resident for more than three years, will bring several years of volunteer and community service to the Commission, including more than eight years serving as a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts and supervising various fundraising events at Star International Academy.
"Basically, wherever I am needed, that is where I go," said Baydoun, who also recently completed the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)training program.
Baydoun also comes from an ethnically and religiously diverse background, Badalow said — traits that make her uniquely qualified for the position as a member of the Commission.
"I believe her life experiences and enthusiasm will be of great benefit to our community," Badalow said in a letter sent to the Council Jan. 26.
2006-02-01 Council picks condosHowever, many Council members also supported the condominium development proposal, including Councilwoman Janet Badalow, who said that the high sale value of the single family homes — about $300,000 — would make them difficult to sell when measured against the value of other homes in the area.
"I am leaning toward the condos," she said.
2005-12-18 Initial members of Heights diversity commission namedThe City Council will also appoint two members to the Commission and Councilwoman Janet Badalow recommended Teresa Baydoun and Patricia Varady for the nomination Tuesday.
"I believe that their life experience and enthusiasm will be of great benefit to our community," Badalow said.
2005-11-13 Heights Council to see a brand-new face at tableMargaret Van Houten and Janet Badalow were returned to the City Council, newcomer Tom Berry filled the third open seat and Marge Horvath will be returning after several years absence for the fourth seat up for grabs in the election.
Badalow, who will complete her first term with the Council at the end of the year, will also be returning in 2006.
"I am happy to be re-elected and I look forward to working with the members of the Council and with the residents of Dearborn Heights," Badalow said.
2005-11-06 Heights contenders outline term goalsQuestion: Serving on the City Council requires dedication and a desire to improve the Dearborn Heights community. Why have you, the candidate, chosen to pursue a seat on the City Council and what would you like to accomplish during your term?
Janet Badalow: Prompted by my brother over 4 years ago, I decided to expand my community service by running for a seat on the City Council. I have decided to run for re-election because I want to continue contributing to Dearborn Heights future.
My professional and educational experiences as well as my commitment to representing the citizens of Dearborn Heights makes me an effective Council member.
During my term, I would like to continue: upgrading the technology within the City; pursuing more efficient ways to easily communicate with residents; being fiscally responsible by spending tax dollars prudently and where they will produce the most benefit to all residents; and encouraging new business development within the city.
2005-10-30 Council contenders look at Heights budgetTopic: City Finance
Janet Badalow: I have thoroughly evaluated the citys budget in the past four years. I have prepared budget amendments and suggestions and I will continue to do so in future budgets. I encourage the bidding out of all contract services and purchases or the use of the State bid price when applicable.
The city can further reduce costs by using technology and streamlining operations when possible. Our conversion to the new city phone system saves us approximately $120,000 each year. I suggest communication via email or through our city website which can reduce the cost of printing and postage.
I will assist in reducing the citys liability by supporting the sidewalk replacement program and revising ordinances, thus reducing the increase of insurance and/or litigation costs.
I will continue to negotiate and approve union contracts that are reasonable, fair, and affordable. I will offer continued support for the administrations efforts to increase the
tax base by promoting the city and encouraging new development.
2005-10-12 Council candidates quizzedHowever, candidate Badalow disagreed, and said that the toughest challenge that the city faces is in redevelopment and attracting new businesses to the city.
"We need to find ways to increase our revenue, and we need to encourage those businesses that want to move into our city," Badalow said.
Badalow said she would like to see a list of vacant land sites posted on the city website, http://www.dhol.org.
The issue of community diversity was also addressed by the candidates Monday night, as they discussed their views on the citys unique blending of cultures and communities.
"As a 25 year resident, I believe that Dearborn Heights has always been a very diverse community," Badalow said. "However, ethnicities, religions and other things change in the city as the years go on. We are home to many different communities now and I believe that we should offer forums where these different groups can meet and discuss their issues."
2005-10-02 New system will track residents complaintsCouncil member Janet Badalow said she supported the plan to have a system that would allow residents to know that their concerns are being taken seriously.
"I think that this is something that every department will utilize and every resident will benefit from," she said.
2005-09-21 4 Council seats open in the HeightsIf elected, what would you do to make Dearborn Heights a better community?
Badalow: If I were re-elected, I would continue to scrutinize our city budget, expenditures and contracts, as well as get answers to questions that residents desire.
I would become more involved with state and county officials and other governmental organizations in order to better communicate our city needs and find solutions.
I will continue to urge residents to attend Council meetings, become involved in our city, and vote in every election.
What do you think is the most important issue concerning Dearborn Heights residents today, and how would you address it?
Badalow: The city budget affects the level of services (trash pickup, senior/youth recreation), community growth (redevelopment/planning), and city maintenance (sewer systems, streets, buildings).
Declining state shared revenues and the possibility of losing part or all of our Community Development Block Grant monies will negatively impact our city.
It is imperative that City Council and the administration continue to improve overall efficiency, which will safeguard our city against unknown or rising costs or loss of revenues.
2005-09-21 4 Council seats open in the HeightsCouncilwoman Badalow has served as a member of the City Council for three years, six months.
She is an active member of the Environmental Policy Advisory Council, the Finance & Budget Committee, and is also the Dearborn Heights alternate for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governors.
Badalow has also served on the Library Advisory Board, the Commission on Disability Concerns, the Dearborn Heights Goodfellows and has been a Michigan Municipal League participant.
She is married to John C. Kellett, Senior Auditor for Wayne County.
2005-08-28 Dearborn Heights residents relate power problemsDearborn Heights City Council member Janet Badalow said that she was able to get a response by calling the customer service hotline, however, it still took 11 days for the company to send someone qualified to remove the inactive power line that had fallen in her yard.
"I hope that we do not have to go further with this and that the company does all it can to correct the problems in our cities," she said.
2005-08-24 Chili lovers help burn victimsCooks served up more than 20 different varieties of chili for the Dearborn Heights Fire Departments 13th annual Chili Cook-Off and Family Picnic.
City Council member Janet Badalow also got in on the fun, with her own special vegetarian chili, which included several vegetables she grew herself.
"I call it my One Hot Pot Chili," she said.
2003-05-25 No winners in Dearborn Heights budget debateCouncilwoman Janet Badalow presented some suggestions at a study session, saying they were not perfect, but a place to start talking.
2003-03-13 City getting disabilities commissionThe ordinance establishing the commission was drafted late last year and on Feb. 11 the City Council approved it unanimously. It becomes effective upon publication in the Press & Guide.
Peg Drake, 48, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 20 years ago and has been using a wheelchair since 1995, said fellow residents and members of the local government, including Mayor Ruth Canfield, City Councilwoman Janet Badalow and resident Sandy Ponder, were key in helping the commission become a reality.
"(Badalow) just hopped on at the beginning and gave encouragement and direction," Drake said. "The mayor has been very supportive as well as the City Council. They felt it was a really good idea and it needed to be addressed.
2003-02-16 Council might move up meeting timesCouncilwoman Janet Badalow said she thought the earlier time might see more people attend meetings.
