O'Reilly: Fiscal Responsibility Key Component for Dearborn's Future

Editor's note: For the past several weeks, Dearborn Patch has profiled candidates seeking election to the city council and city clerk's office. We will conclude our election series with profiles of candidates seeking election as mayor of Dearborn. There are five candidates on the Aug. 6 primary ballot.

Today we feature Mayor John B. O'Reilly, Jr.

Candidate: John B. O’Reilly, Jr.

Office sought: Dearborn Mayor

Occupation: Mayor

Education: Associate of Arts, Oakland University; Bachelor of Arts, University of Detroit; Juris Doctor, University of Detroit School of Law  

Family: Married to Christina with three children

Previous elected office: Dearborn City Council president

Current public service: Mayor, city of Dearborn

What are two key issues in Dearborn?

1. The loss of city operating revenues due to the severe decline in property values is a primary issue.

2. Attracting new investors in both home ownership and business investment is another key issue.

How will you address these issues?

1) We have already made great strides in reducing our costs and streamlining services. We must continue to reduce overhead costs so that we can focus on retaining a high level of community services. The primary emphasis for the expenditure of general operating millage must be public safety but the need for other services that enhance quality of life must be retained in a cost effective manner. With the support of the city council we have been able to do that so far but more innovation will be required to remain a safe and thriving city.

2) To be truly successful over the long term we must have a clear vision of the achievable transformations that will attract new home owners and business investors well into our future. This requires developing a reputation that will put Dearborn on the top of the list for people looking to buy a house or start or expand a business. This starts with being known for being clean and safe. In spite of the delays in the process for bankruptcy sales and tax foreclosures we must try to get property maintained and re-occupied as effectively as possible. We will continue to hold every property owner accountable for maintaining their property to extent allowable under the law.

City Clerk Candidates

• Dearborn City Clerk Candidate Wants to Streamline Services with New Technology

• Dearborn City Clerk Candidate Says New Direction Needed with Budget

• Dearborn City Clerk Seeks 5th Term in Office

City Council Candidates

• Dearborn City Council Candidate Will Champion Business Growth
• Dearborn City Council Candidate Says Community Pools Provide Vital Service
• Dearborn Councilman Seeks Fourth Term, Vows Fiscal Responsibility

• Attorney Seeks Election to Dearborn City Council

• Dearborn City Council Candidate Vows to Increase Transparency

• Dearborn City Council Candidate Says Investing in Business Key to Community's Growth

• Dearborn Council Candidate: 'Let's Fill Downtown Businesses'

• Dearborn Mom Says Fire, Police Protection Top Priority if Elected

• Dearborn City Council President Seeks Re-Election, Demands Accountability

• Dearborn Councilman Vows Fiscal Responsibility if Re-Elected

• City Council Candidate Wants to Revive Dearborn Business District

• Former Dearborn Police Officer Wants to Improve City Services

• Dearborn Council Candidate Says New City Hall Worth the Move

• Dearborn Councilman: 'We Must Enforce City Ordinances'

• Dearborn Veteran Focuses on Growing Downtown Development

• Dearborn City Council Candidate Campaigns on Transparency Issues

• Dearborn Council Candidate Envisions Thriving Downtown Business District