DEARBORN HEIGHTS — Mayor Dan Paletko praised Arab Americans for the economic impact that they have had on the City over the years, during a meeting on Monday at Al-Ameer Restaurant that was organized by the Dearborn Heights Community Organization. 

About 30 Arab Americans were present and shared their concerns on issues, ranging from public safety, to public works, to youth and to economic development. 

“I have said this over and over again, Dearborn Heights would not have been able to survive as a city, let alone prosper as a city, if it hadn’t been for the Arab American community,” Paletko said. “I say this outside. I say this everywhere.  The diversity of this community has made it stronger and made it survive.” 

Former Wayne County Executive Ed McNamara and John Engler, who served as Michigan’s 46th governor, have both frequently touted the influence that Arab Americans have had on Wayne County through their entrepreneurial spirit.   

“As Arab Americans moved into Dearborn Heights, business and commerce moved with them,” Paletko said. 

He went on to explain that the talents and skills of people in the community are continuing to help improve the City.  “I am blessed to have so many of you as my friends…I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said. 

Mayor Paletko (L) speaks with members of the Dearborn Heights Community Organization at meeting this week. The Mayor praised Arab Americans for the economic impact they’ve had on the City.

The City has struggled financially as a result of the 2008 housing crisis, which impacted communities across the country. According to Paletko, Dearborn Heights lost $6 million in state-shared revenue.  Real estate values of properties dropped drastically, and the City was running a structural deficit of almost $4 million. In an effort to fix the deficit, a millage increase was passed by voters and cuts were made.  Now, the City is running a million and a half physical surplus, and this year it’s going to be over $2 million.  “We’re back.  Well, we’re on the road to recovery,” he said. 

During the event, Paletko was asked by a young man about what the youth could do to help the City. When he first became mayor, Paletko created a youth committee, which still exists today. He extended an open invitation to all youth to come visit him at his office, so that they could discuss their concerns and learn how to get involved in helping to improve the community through this youth committee. 

Residents primarily voiced concerns over public safety, indicating slow police response times and the need to get more officers on the street. Issues with people feeling disrespected by law enforcement were also brought up. “We are a part of this community. We want the Dearborn Heights Police to treat us as a part of this community,” said Dearborn Heights resident Fouad Ashkar. 

Ironically, during Paletko’s discussion about public safety, a guest’s automobile was broken into.  It took police 25 minutes to respond to the incident at the restaurant. 

Paletko explained that a lot of officers are expected to retire soon, and that those senior positions, which pay roughly $64,000 a year, would be replaced by people with entry-level annual salaries of approximately $38,000.  The changes would allow more police officers to patrol the streets. 

Paletko promised that he also intends to focus on traffic issues at different schools that have become safety concerns for students during pick-up and drop-off.