Candidate Profile: Robert A. Abraham For Dearborn City Council

Councilman Robert A. Abraham

Age (as of Election Day)

54

Position Sought

Dearborn City Council

Party Affiliation

None

Family

Private

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Graduate of Dearborn Fordson High School and Hillsdale College

Occupation

Finance Executive with over 25 years experience

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Dearborn City Council since 2002

Campaign website

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have over 20 years of experience on the Dearborn City Council, and I want honorably and humbly to continue to serve the Hometown of Henry Ford. I have three grown children that are graduates from Loyola University-Chicago, and I proud of their accomplishments and contributions to their community. I have served the Fordson High School Varsity Alumni charity as the Treasury and director for almost 25 years. I am a director on the Henry Ford Foundation Board. I am actively involved with many community service groups, including the Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit (the Dearborn Animal Shelter) and Exchange Club of Dearborn. I am a third-generation lifetime resident. I support the accountability and transparency required to maintain and increase the confidence of all residence that tax dollars are spent efficiently and effectively. I am endorsed by the Dearborn Police, the Police Officers Association of Michigan, and the Dearborn Fire Fighters. Public safety is the top priority. I proudly support our recreation programs, parks, pools, the Dearborn Historical Museum, the Dearborn Library System, and the best possible services that can be delivered throughout the community.
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

One important topic is our sewer system and flood: Federal, State, Regional, County, and (local) City funding will be required to upgrade the capacity of the Dearborn Storm and Rain Sewer System to significantly decrease the risk of flooding long-term. This is a Rouge River Regional problem caused by changes in climate, rain patterns, increased lot coverage, decrease in green space, and buildout of outlying communities that increase the discharge of storm water into the Rouge River. Each upstream community must collect and retain more storm water to reduce the frequency of downstream flooding. The Army Corps of Engineers must take the lead to develop a regional solution that will be jointly funded by all of the stakeholders, including the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA). Moreover, the City of Dearborn Sewer System must continue to be upgraded, maintained, and optimized to perform at the highest possible level. In addition, DTE must provides power supplies to keep the system running and avoid outages. Wayne County must provide back power supply generators to keep the sewer system pumps running to avoid dangerous road flooding and related hazards. The Dearborn 911responders cannot be compromised by rainfall that leaves the residents of Dearborn at the risk of their health and possible death.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Experience, knowledge, and ability to "get things done"! I listen to our residence and provide reasonable solutions to their issues and problems.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The pandemic was a crisis like nothing I have ever experienced. I believe the Council and the Administration work together to provide relief to the business and resources to our residents. The Public Safety officers performed at the highest level to provide testing and vaccinations.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The budget and finances must continued to be addressed by the City Council. We must work together to develop creative solutions that will continue to make Dearborn a great place to live and raise a family.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I earned the respect of many of colleagues, past and present, on the City Council with hard work, dedication, knowledge, and experience. I have a proven track record for studying the issues and finding creative solutions.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen carefully to the public and learn from my mistakes.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I would be honored to humbly serve my hometown for a fifth term as your Dearborn City Councilman.