Dearborn City Council President Won't Run for Mayor

Dear Fellow Residents:

I want to thank those who have spoken to me, called, and written letters to urge me to run for the office of mayor. There has been a lot of speculation. I appreciate the kind words and am grateful for your support. At this time, however, I will not run for mayor of the city of Dearborn.

This decision has nothing to do with me not being up to the challenge, but one based purely on family priorities. Being a single father of three young boys, it is my desire to raise them to the best of my ability and to be there for those events that every proud parent is there for.

My boys might not remember how good of an elected official I was, but my hope is that they will remember how great of a father they had during their childhood years. I understand that the roles between the council office and the mayor’s office have different demands on one’s time and family. After long talks with my family, children, supporters, and neighbors I decided that in the best interest of my family, I would ask the voters of the hometown of Henry Ford to support me as I look to serve in my current role and seek re-election on the Dearborn City Council. 

This next election will not be an easy one; the field is packed with many candidates. I am an independent candidate. I vote based on what I feel is in the best interest of the city, often agreeing with administration, and sometimes voting in opposition. It is that, which I feel I was elected to do: keep the balance and question the process.

In the past, there have been fabricated issues and attacks on my personal life.  It makes me wonder why even run and expose my family or children to it. This negative side of politics is the part that keeps other good people from seeking office. Those that attempt to start a smear campaign should focus on real issues and use voting records to make their case. When one attempts to be an elected official and debate in the public forum (not from an unknown screen name on a blog in a cyber-space world) you expose yourself to the public for who you are and what you stand for.  Those that attempt to smear a candidate need to put their name behind it as well.

I believe that the voters in Dearborn are knowledgeable and will vote based on character, leadership and issues. Over the years, I have heard from many citizens calling my office, sending letters, or stopping me on the street. I would ask a courtesy if you are in receipt of an anonymous smear campaign. Reach out to me and ask my view. I hope you know by now that I am not afraid to share my thoughts.

In conclusion, I would ask the voters of Dearborn to allow me to serve another four years on the city council and help me continue to work with all who are interested to move Dearborn forward, whether we always agree on the issues or not. Isn’t that what Democracy is? Help me continue to make Dearborn a great place to live, work, and most importantly raise a family.  

Sincerely,

Thomas P. Tafelski 

Council President – City of Dearborn