Abraham: Experience, Strong Leadership Needed On City Council

DEARBORN, MI — Tuesday’s primary election is an important one in Dearborn. Voters will be asked to select single candidates for mayor and clerk to run in November’s general election. Likewise, more than a dozen candidates are vying for seven seats on city council.

Patch recently sent questions to the candidates. The idea is for the candidates to introduce themselves and their ideas to voters. We will start our coverage off on Friday with a look at three city council candidates. More candidates will follow on Sunday and Monday.

What follows is a verbatim transcript of the questions and answers from candidate Robert A. Abraham, who is seeking a city council slot:

Please provide basic biographical information.
Name: COUNCILMAN ROBERT A. ABRAHAM
Age: 50
Best way to contact, cell number, email, etc.: rabraham.cpa@gmail.com or City Council Office at (313) 943-2025
Over 15 years of experience as Councilman in the City of Dearborn! More experience than any other candidates. Proudly serving Dearborn since January 1, 2002 (four terms). Currently, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for one of the industry leading manufacturers in North America; former business owner in Dearborn; graduate of Dearborn Public Schools, Fordson High School (1985); Hillsdale College (1989), Bachelor of Arts in Accounting with a concentration in Computer Science; and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1992 and a third generation Dearborn resident. Proudly supporting the community through Board of Director for the Henry Ford College Foundation (Past Chairman), Fordson Varsity Alumni Club (Treasurer), Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter, Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, Dearborn Historical Museum, and more…The Abraham’s have raised over $75,000 for the Dearborn Animal Shelter by hosting an annual Open House BBQ at their home for the past 7 years. In addition, Councilman Abraham has consistently supported the Dearborn Historical Museum, Libraries, the new Veterans Plaza, the Theater, Recreations, Parks, Pools & Splash Pads and other excellent services and programs in Dearborn. Please vote to re-elect Councilman Robert A. Abraham to a fifth consecutive term to the Dearborn City Council!

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Why are you running for City Council?
Endorsed by the Dearborn Fire Fighters and retiring Councilman Mark Shooshanian (24 years of experience) for his 2017 re-election. Experienced, unbiased, reasonable, stable and consistent leadership is what Dearborn needs to keep the neighborhoods clean and safe. Our local government does not need politicians or elected officials that crumble to special interest groups. I want to protect Dearborn’s foundation and help mold its future. I am committed to assist in delivering first-rate public services, and I believe in safeguarding the city and enhancing Dearborn’s quality of life. Augmenting economic growth to increase residential property values and encourage desirable development is of utter importance to him. I am committed to making the difficult decisions for the best interest of the entire community; knowing that sometimes these decision will not be popular to everyone. Police and Fire must remain the cornerstone of city services. The highest standard of excellence must remain the top budget priority. Staffing levels for Police and Fire Departments must be monitored to make sure our citizens and officers remain safe. We must continue to budget and fund programs for recreation activities, including pools & splash pads, parks, animal shelter, senior living, veterans’ programs, the museum, and libraries.

What are your top priorities for your term if you win?
The City is facing many issues in a "post-recession" economic environment. Experience and strong leadership are needed on our City Council to guide public policy and make unbiased decisions based upon the best available information. Police and Fire must remain the cornerstone of city services. Focusing on common interest remains a very high priority!!! Resources and funding must be delivered to the neighborhoods and residential services to continue improve the housing stock, increase property values and respond to the needs of homeowners. My professional experience as a Certified Public Accountant, business owner in Dearborn and formal education in business and accounting are the perfect fit for one of the seven Council positions. This experience, together with understanding of the local government, staying in touch with the community and a thorough, detailed and in depth knowledge of the annual budget process is valuable to each and every taxpayer and homeowner in Dearborn. I have consistently been the voice of reason and demonstrated an ability to gain consensus on the Council to get problems solved. Councilman Robert A. Abraham would be honored to serve my Home Town for a fifth term in office and twenty years with your vote!