“It is time to put an end to back-door politics and make our government open and accountable to the people we are serving,” said State Representative Dian Slavens. “The Governor called for an ethics reform package in his State of the State Address and my Democratic colleagues and I are happy to put forth a package of bills that fulfill that call. This provides a great opportunity for a bipartisan effort to create much needed changes in Lansing.”

The package contains 16 bills and one constitutional amendment and looks to address corporate accountability, campaign finance and ethics reform. Among other things, the House Democrats’ package of bills would:

• Create a two year “cooling off” period for elected officials and a one year period for department directors who attempt to move directly into lobbying to close the revolving door between public and private work.
• Require personal financial disclosure from appointed and elected officials. Michigan is one of only three states with no financial disclosure requirements.
• Strengthen conflict of interest provisions for legislators, prohibit state elected officials from applyingfor or accepting state grants, and make it illegal for individuals to solicit or accept campaign contributions while in a state facility.
• Toughen campaign finance disclosure and corporate accountability after the U.S. Supreme Courtlifted limits on corporate spending in campaigns and prevent state contractors, companies that accept federal bail-out money, and foreign-controlled corporations from spending money in Michigan elections.
• Increase transparency by forcing corporations making expenditures in campaigns or for lobbying purposes to comply with the law and publically disclose funders.
• Eliminate “Pay to Play” politics by banning the state from awarding any contract over $100,000 to a contractor or vendor who made campaign contributions to elected officials.
• Require “robo-calls” to clearly state the name and address of the organization paying for them.

“Big money corporations and special interests have influenced campaigns and elections for far too long,” said George T. Darany. “Michigan citizens deserve lawmakers who work for them and these bills will help ensure that the voice of the people is heard. I am sure we can all agree that an accountable and transparent government is important if we want to move our state forward and these bills are a step in the right direction.”

Customers with AT&T services can click on the drop down box on channel 99 and can choose either of the Dearborn channels.

U-verse customers also are able to choose from a number of cities on the network. This also allows customers in other cities to view Dearborn programs as well.

CDTV is already available to Comcast and WOW cable customers. It is channel 12 on Comcast and channel 10 on WOW.

All CDTV programming can also be viewed any time at www.cityofdearborn.org.

CDTV provides local programming that highlights what is happening in Dearborn.

DPATV is also available on WOW, channel 18, and can be viewed any time at www.cityofdearborn.org.

The following is a listing of the programming created by CDTV.

City Council meetings are carried live and then seen in rebroadcasts.

• “This Week in Dearborn” is hosted by Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. This weekly program highlights current and important events and issues that affect Dearborn residents.
• “Dearborn Journal” is a series that provides viewers with a look at the different programs and events that take place in the city.
• “Meet Your Council” is a monthly program that features a segment from each of the seven Dearborn City Council members. Each month the Council keeps residents informed about city services, local businesses and other current issues that affect Dearborn.
• “Senior Services” highlights the services and programs available through the Dearborn Senior Services Division.
• “Dearborn Libraries, Check ‘Em Out” is the outreach program for the libraries.

Quarterly produced programs include:

• “Sports N Rec,” which shows the numerous fitness and sporting activities available in Dearborn.
• “Paw Prints” is produced with the Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter. This program is an outreach that shares helpful tips on the safety and care of animals, and adoption opportunities.
• “City Commissions” provides an opportunity for the different Dearborn commissions to share their latest activities.

DPATV allows individuals and groups to produce programs that they believe are of interest to the public. CDTV staff administers DPATV. CDTV is part of the City of Dearborn’s Department of Public Information.

For more information on CDTV or DPATV call 313-943-2365.

Robert Muise, AFLC Attorney, stands next to Bill of Rights

A blog post by the American Freedom Law Center (AFLC) said:  ”The City, not wanting to offend its large Muslim population, would not allow the Christian to hand out religious literature at the Festival.”

In the order, the federal judge stated, “In this case, the Plaintiff received the full relief he sought — an invalidation of the leafleting restriction and a permanent injunction barring its enforcement. . . . Because this result ‘cannot fairly be labeled as anything short of excellent, [Plaintiff] is entitled to a fully compensatory fee.’”

AFLC Senior Counsel Robert J. Muise represented Pastor Saieg in this successful free speech case. At the time, Muise was Senior Trial Counsel for the Thomas More Law Center.

The City of Dearborn has 14 days to appeal.

“The award of attorney fees in this case,” noted Muise, “is critical in the lawfare against Civilization Jihad and dhimmitization, or subjugation, of an entire municipality in Michigan. Dearborn has a long record of this kind of illegal, heavy-handed treatment of Christians as an attempt to placate Dearborn’s sharia-faithful. The court’s ruling  demonstrates that this kind of behavior will come at great cost.”

The citizens of Dearborn never voted for the absurd anti-free-speech ordinance. Some Dearborn citizens are wondering why public officials conspired together to create the un-constitutional city ordinance(s) – against the will of the people.

Muise recently won acquittals for charges of  disturbing the peace brought by the Dearborn prosecutor against a group of Christians following their arrests by Dearborn police in 2010 for the same kind of peaceful free speech activities.  Muise and David Yerushalmi of the American Freedom Law Center, along with attorneys from the Ann Arbor based Thomas More Law Center, currently represent these Christians in a civil action arising from these arrests.

George Saieg of Arabic Christian Perspective

Whalen said Saieg and his Arabic Christian Perspective organization sued Dearborn and its police chief, Ron Haddad, because after distributing Christian information at the event for several years, he was told police would arrest him if he gave information to anyone at the Arab fest.

“Requiring defendants to absorb plaintiff’s attorney’s fees for the district court proceedings in this case would produce the absurd result of punishing defendants for their success in this court and for acting in accordance with precedent endorsed by two federal judges. Moreover, it would send a message that established precedent and this court’s rulings cannot be relied upon given that a plaintiff potentially could persuade the 6th Circuit to establish new precedent,” the City of Dearborn argued.

The judge stated that the pastor did, in fact, prevail on his free speech claim.

“Defendants may have believed that they were ‘acting in accordance with precedent endorsed by two federal judges,’ but the 6th Circuit ultimately held that they were not acting in accordance with the Constitution,” Judge Whalen stated.

Representative George T. Darany (D-Dearborn) received a plaque from Cyndi Roper, Director of Michigan Clean Water Action, recognizing his voting record on environmental issues.

“The Great Lakes, and all of Michigan’s waters, make our state one of the most scenic and beautiful places in the entire nation,” said Darany. “For this reason, I am committed to working hard in the House of Representatives to ensure that future Michiganians can enjoy the countless benefits of our clean, natural waters. By protecting our waters, we can help keep our residents out of harm’s way and safeguard the thousands of jobs that depend on our natural resources.”

Clean Water Action released the scorecard in an effort to hold elected officials accountable for their actions to protect Michigan’s water and other natural resources. Lawmakers are scored on their votes on key environmental and environmental health issues. The 2011-2012 Midterm Scorecard included legislation that impacted clean beaches and safe drinking water, habitat for fish and wildlife, the health of Michigan residents, and energy choices that protect our water. The scorecard can be viewed by visiting the Clean Water Action website.

“I am very honored that during my time in the Legislature, I have been able to achieve a 100 percent positive voting record from Clean Water Action,” said Darany. “As we move forward, it is my hope that my legislative colleagues and I will continue to work toward legislation that will not only protect our state’s precious waters, but also promote a healthy Michigan environment.”

If an individual comes to your door and asks for a contribution to support a political, religious or charitable cause, the individual must have displayed on his person an ID card issued by the Dearborn Police Department.

If an individual comes to your door to espouse his or her views regarding a political, religious or charitable cause but does not ask for a contribution, the individual does not have to have an ID or a permit issued by the City of Dearborn. Door-to-door proselytizing is protected speech under the First Amendment.

If an individual comes to your door to offer goods or services for sale (e.g., new windows, gutter cleaning), the individual must have a vendor’s license issued by the Dearborn City Clerk. This license must be produced upon request.

Door-to-door solicitation is permitted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Individuals seeking contributions or attempting to sell goods or services are prohibited from approaching homes where a “no solicitation” sign appears on the door.

These signs are available at the Mayor’s Office at City Hall and online through the City website at www.cityofdearborn.org. Check the link for Online Services & Publications and follow it to Homeowners.

Violation of these regulations is a misdemeanor; violators should be reported to the Dearborn Police Department at 313.943.2201.

As always, if a resident observes suspicious activity, the Dearborn Police Department should be contacted immediately by calling 911.

Rep. Darany speaking on the House floor regarding House Resolution 183 on 1/26/12

“Since becoming a state 175 years ago, Michigan has demonstrated its importance through its contributions toward the growth of our nation,” said Darany. “Michigan’s vast natural resources like our beautiful waters, copper, lumber and iron ore and the intellectual and innovative spirit of our citizens have positioned our state as a place full of opportunity.”

In June of 1836, Michigan was presented with the opportunity for statehood by resolving the boundary dispute with Ohio and on Jan. 26, 1837, Michigan was admitted as the 26th state to the Union by President Andrew Jackson.

“Our state has been the birthplace of many nationally recognized products and services,” Darany said. “The entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens has made Michigan a leader in manufacturing and the automotive capital of the world. For example, here in Dearborn we are proud to be the home of the Ford Motor Company. As we recognize this historic day, I hope we can all take a moment to remember everyone who has contributed and sacrificed for the success of our Great Lakes State. As my colleagues and I continue our work in the 2012 legislative session, I am optimistic that our state’s best days still lay before us.”

George T. Darany

“The original legislation that was passed in 2008 set the stage for millions of dollars to be invested by the film industry in Michigan,” said Darany. “However, at the start of 2011, we saw the industry come under attack with a proposal to phase-out the film credits. Eliminating these credits restricts Michigan’s ability to diversify our economy and attract projects that will help rebuild our state. While I am pleased that some incentives were made available, we should not be discouraging emerging industries that have made substantial investments in Michigan.”

The 2012 budget caps the total funds that are available for new film incentives to $25 million, which is a significant reduction from the original program. According to the Michigan Film Incentive 2010 Annual Report, an anticipated $39.8 million film incentive brought the major motion picture “Oz: The Great and Powerful” to Michigan. The report listed that the production, which just recently wrapped, planned to spend approximately $105 million in the state and hire more than 250 Michigan residents. The film was shot at the Raleigh Michigan Studios in Pontiac which invested $80 million to have the studio built in the state.

“The bill we passed in December will provide some financial assistance for a very limited amount of qualified productions in Michigan,” said Darany. “However, we need to do more if we want to make our state competitive in the film industry. The former incentives were very successful in making Michigan one of the top states for attracting film and TV projects, which brought us jobs and economic activity. At a time when many Michigan citizens are still struggling economically, we should not be leaving job opportunities on the cutting room floor.”

George T. Darany

“It has been an honor and a privilege to represent my hometown of Dearborn,” Darany said. “As your State Representative, it is particularly helpful when the people I serve offer their perspective on issues that are important to them. I have greatly appreciated all of the input and feedback I received from Dearborn residents throughout 2011 and I look forward to continued communication throughout 2012.”

Everyone is welcome to meet with Representative Darany at the Dearborn Senior Center located at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave. Visitors should use the east entrance off Greenfield Road. The gatherings will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Fridays: Jan. 27, Feb. 24, March 30, April 27, May 18, June 29, July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 28, and Oct. 26.

State Representative Darany also encourages residents to contact him with any questions or concerns about state government by calling (517) 373-0847 or by sending an email to GeorgeTDarany@house.mi.gov. They can also visit his website and sign up for his e-newsletter.

City residency is required to serve on the commission. Commissioners cannot be current city employees.

The commissioners serve a three-year term without compensation. Meetings are typically on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Commissioners are appointed by the mayor.

People interested in applying for the two vacancies should contact the Mayor’s Office to request an application.

For more information, visit the City Plan Office or contact the Mayor’s Office at 313-943-2300.

George T. Darany

“As the State Representative from the 15th district, it is my job to make sure that the voices of Dearborn are heard,” Darany said. “It has been such an honor and a privilege to represent this community and I understand that if I miss a vote, then it is the hard-working people of my hometown who pay the price. Every vote we take is an opportunity to move Michigan forward and I am committed to using these opportunities to make sure that our state is headed in the right direction.”

In addition to his voting record, Rep. Darany introduced 14 pieces of legislation during the 2011 session and co-sponsored another 197. This includes a bill whose Senate version was signed into law and gives culinary students a competitive advantage after graduating from a Culinary Arts program, and a resolution that was passed by the House of Representatives that urges the U.S. Department of Defense to acknowledge all military members hurt in combat.

“Michigan citizens deserve lawmakers that work for them and I remain dedicated to serving the people of the Dearborn community,” Darany said. “Since the day I was sworn into office last year, the interests and well-being of my constituents have come first. I have greatly appreciated all of the input and feedback I received from Dearborn residents throughout 2011 and I look forward to continued communication as the 2012 legislative session gets underway. While we saw a number of contentious bills signed into law last year, I feel optimistic about the future of our state and it is my hope that this year will lead to greater bi-partisan cooperation and collaboration.”