Mayor urges ‘clean campaign’ in race for council seats

Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight has issued a caution to all candidates seeking one of the expiring 4-year terms on the city council.

While McCraight said that it has been a “relatively quiet” election year, he warned candidates about inaccurate rhetoric.

“I thought that perhaps Romulus had turned a corner this election year,” the mayor posted. “It’s not too much to ask...just run a clean campaign. Candidates should stand on their work and accomplishments not spread false narratives and mislead residents to secure votes. Public officials should not intentionally mislead the public at any level, period,” he cautioned.

Absentee ballots for the upcoming Nov. 4 election have been arriving in the homes of voters this week.

Voters will choose all seven members of the city council from a field including both newcomers and incumbents. The elected candidates will serve on the city council for 4-year terms.

McCraight, City Clerk Ellen Craig-Bragg, and Treasurer Stacy Paige are unopposed in the election, which will return each of them to 4-year terms in office.

Current topics of campaign literature indicate that economic development, public safety, and infrastructure improvements, along with senior citizen services, will be the main topics in efforts to influence voters, some of which apparently prompted McCraight’s comments on social media.

“So, to set the record straight.... there will be NO cuts to senior services in our community. If anything, we are trying to find creative ways to expand them. Please make certain that any senior citizens in your family who rely on those services are aware. Have them contact me directly if they have any questions,” McCraight posted in response to some campaign rhetoric.

Newcomers and incumbents on the nonpartisan ballot include incumbent Kathy Abdo; James Bullock; incumbent Harry Crout; Tony Heimberger; incumbent David S. Jones; Judy R. Kennard; Jeffrey F. Kotlarek; incumbent Celeste Roscoe; Lonetta Silas; Nychole Smith; incumbent Tina M. Talley; incumbent William J. Wadsworth; Mark R. Wilhide; and Johnny Williams.

Current Mayor Pro Tem John Barden, a long-time member of the city council and one of the top voters’ choices in past elections, opted not to seek reelection for another term.

Festival of Lights

5^th Annual Diwali celebrating triumph of good over evil set in Canton

Canton Township will celebrate a 10,000-year-old Indian tradition again this year during the fifth annual Festival of Lights, a tradition of Indian culture celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

Canton Leisure Services is again partnering with several community groups to present the event, which is a celebration of lights that symbolizes the “victory of light over darkness.”  Sponsors of the event this year include: miindia.com and Lexus.    

Program activities available during this free event will include Indian cultural performances, music, and dancing, as well as free henna designs.  Indian snacks will also be available for an additional fee. Vendors will also be on hand selling clothes and other merchandise, and the community celebration will culminate with a short fireworks display.  

“Canton is proud to continue to host this annual celebration, which is open to all community members to learn and celebrate together,” said Laura Mortier, Recreation and Performing Arts manager. “By presenting this type of event, we hope to foster a deeper understanding and awareness of this 10,000-year-old Indian tradition within our community by providing this excellent opportunity to experience this type of cultural celebration.”

The event is planned for 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Heritage Park Amphitheater, located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road, in Canton.

There is no admission fee to attend this special event. For more information, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5460.

Aide to imprisoned Inkster mayor admits lying to federal agents

The former executive assistant of imprisoned Inkster Mayor Patrick Wimberly entered a guilty plea last week to charges he lied to federal agents during their investigation into Wimberly’s bribery scheme

Saif Alsenad, 33, of Dearborn Heights, served as Wimberly’s executive assistant from May 2021 through June 2023. According to prosecutors’ claims, Alsenad lied to FBI agents and told them he was not aware that Wimberly had corruptly solicited, demanded, and agreed to accept $100,000 with the intent to assist an investor in acquiring a vacant 13-acre parcel owned by the city of Inkster. At the time he made the statements, prosecutors alleged Alsenad knew the claims were false because he knew Wimberly had agreed to accept cash bribes in exchange for Wimberly’s assistance in obtaining the parcel of land for the developer. Alsenad was charged with making a false statement or representation to a department or agency of the United States, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). This charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. His plea agreement was taken under advisement, and sentencing is set for Jan. 14, according to federal court records.

In September 2024, Wimberly pleaded guilty to agreeing to accept $100,000 in cash bribes. He was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment following an investigation that federal prosecutors said involved transfers of money at a strip club, a Detroit bar, and the driveway of his home.

“When law enforcement officers are investigating a crime, lying to them to help shield the offender is never the right decision. This is especially true when those involved are government officials who have a duty to serve the public’s interest, not their own,” said United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

"Today’s guilty plea by Saif Alsenad demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast commitment to investigate those who undermine the public’s trust, regardless of their position or influence,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Working for an elected official does not exempt anyone from accountability when engaging in public corruption. I want to thank the members of the FBI Detroit Area Corruption Task Force for their outstanding investigative work throughout this investigation.”

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown.

Alsenad was charged Aug. 14 in an information in federal court. He resigned as director of government and public affairs for Wayne County on Aug. 4. Alsenad was hired by Wimberly in 2019. According to court records, a local investor met with Alsenad in 2022 to inquire about buying a vacant, city-owned property. Prosecutors allege that Alsenad told the investor and a second person interested in purchasing the property that Wimberly expected a payment of $100,000 to ensure the sale and the necessary permits.

Wimberly was convicted of accepting cash bribes ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 from Nov. 18, 2022, through April 4, 2023, totaling $50,000. Alsenad told FBI agents during an October 2024 interview that he "never saw anything weird" during his employment with Wimberly, according to court documents.

Alsenad did not benefit financially from the bribes, according to the plea agreement.

Opening night

Hook & Ladder Theater opens tomorrow

Local theater enthusiasts and supporters of the arts will be on hand tomorrow for opening night at the new Hook & Ladder Community Theater in Romulus.

The new theater, spearheaded by professional actor and Romulus fireman John Thiede, will present Barefoot in the Park as the inaugural performance in the converted fire station on Goddard Road.

The show is already sold out for tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday, and a few tickets are available for Oct. 1, 11, or 12. Curtain time is 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The next performance at the new community theater is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 30, when retired Judge Ron W. Lowe will present Scary Tales from the Cemetery. Lowe will portray the caretaker of the cemetery where long-buried scary and spooky tales will be unearthed just in time for Halloween. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.
The building was a fire station from 1952 to 1980 and served as housing for other uses since the fire department operations were moved. Under Thiede’s careful and professional eye, the building has been renovated into an operating theater.

“Now the theater will come alive. A place to gather and spread the love of the arts. Lots of ideas planned. The old gal will be reborn. Join us, support us, enjoy the arts,” Thiede said.

Thiede trained at Second City Theater in Detroit and has appeared on Detroit 1-8-7 and All My Children. He also hosted the weekly sports show Sports Talk 60 on the Comcast Sports Channel, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Thiede has performed in multiple professional roles on stage and TV and is a well-known actor in theater circles.

The theater is located at 35255 Goddard Road in Romulus. Ticket information is available at  hookandladder.ludus.com.

Absentee voter ballots arrive in City of Plymouth

Eight candidates are vying for the four expiring terms on the Plymouth City Commission. Voters will go to the polls on Nov. 4 to make their choice, while others will use the absentee ballots already delivered by mail to some registered voters in the city.

Three of the four candidates chosen by voters will serve four-year terms on the commission, while one will serve a two-year term.

On the ballot will be first-time candidate Joe Elliott; incumbent Jennifer Kehoe; incumbent Alanna Maguire; Kristin McHale Johnson; incumbent Nick Moroz; Jim Mulhern; Ronald Picard

Any voter currently on the Permanent Ballot List at the city clerk’s office will automatically receive an absentee ballot for the election. Voters not currently on the Permanent Ballot List, but on the Permanent Absent Voter Application List, should have received the application in the mail already. Applications can also be found online at Michigan.gov/vote and at the Clerk's office.
Beginning in 2026, the City of Plymouth will no longer maintain a Permanent Absent Voter Application List. This means that Absent Voter Ballot Applications will no longer be automatically mailed to residents prior to an election. These voters will need to individually request and return an application to receive a ballot in the mail.

Voters who wish to receive an Absent Voter Ballot automatically for all elections can sign up to be added to the Permanent Ballot List on the 2025 Absentee Voter Application, online at Michigan.gov/vote or at the clerk’s office.

Northville school district teachers ratify new union contract

Teachers in the Northville Community Schools District have a new contract, officially ratified by membership Sept. 23.

Northville Education Association President Richard Tabor, who has worked in the district for 32 years, said the teachers were pleased with the agreement and relieved that negotiations were complete. He said the main issue of the contract was teachers’ pay and that the new agreement includes a 3 percent increase in the first year, along with step pay increases for teachers who qualify. In the second year of the contract, teachers will receive both step increases and an increase of 2 or 3 percent, tied to the district fund balance.

Teachers who lead extra-curricular activities will also receive a stipend, an issue which proved problematic in early negotiations.

Tabor said the agreement sees many improvements and that the district negotiators were helpful and focused. The agreement, Tabor said, was also a result of the community support for the teachers.

Board of Education President Lisa McIntyre was also pleasedthat  negotiations were successfully concluded. She said the contract will provide stability for teachers and the district. She added that the new contract provisions will help the district recruit and retain teachers.

Both sides agreed that the uncertainty of state-level funding was a factor in the negotiations. Northville currently receives the minimum per-pupil foundation allowance from the state. McIntyre said the district is counting on state increases to sustain the wages the district hopes to offer teachers and other employee groups.

McIntyre and Tabor expressed gratitude to the community for the support and patience demonstrated during the negotiations.

Wall of art

As a part of the "Art in the R-District" initiative, a new mural created by Detroit artist Fel3000ft has been completed at 37135 Goddard Road. The artwork highlights development in the city and the history of the community.  The mural was created in collaboration with residents, the city officials, and the Romulus Downtown Development Authority. The artwork was funded by a Small Business Administration grant.

Construction, repairs to Ozga Road in Romulus remain on schedule

The Ozga Road repair project in Romulus remains on schedule and should be completed by Nov. 15, according to a briefing from city officials.

The project currently includes necessary construction waiting periods. Storm sewer installation is expected to begin pending weather conditions and timely delivery of materials. This work will take place in multiple locations along the project corridor, noted Romulus Director of Public Services & Public Works Roberto Scappaticci.

Currently, traffic is being allowed on the gravel base to help identify any weak areas. If any sections of the base are found to be inadequate, they will be removed and replaced before paving begins, he added.

Starting midweek of Sept. 29, the contractor will mobilize specialized equipment to mill the ramps on Ozga Road that pass over I-94. After this work is complete, the gravel base will be compacted and graded in preparation for the first phase of asphalt paving, scheduled for mid-October, Scappaticci said.

“Romulus is committed to delivering a high-quality, durable roadway, and we appreciate your continued patience and understanding throughout this construction process,” Scappaticci concluded in a Facebook post.

2 Northville Township first responders join elite Western Wayne SWAT team

Northville Township Police Ofc. Kevin VanDussen and Firefighter/Paramedic Jacob Fedel of the Northville Township Fire Department recently graduated from SWAT School and officially joined the Western Wayne Special Operations Team (WWSOT).

VanDussen was selected to represent the Northville Police Department as part of the township reentry into the Western Wayne Special Operations Team. After successfully completing the intense two-week, 100-hour SWAT School hosted by Schoolcraft College and the WWSOT Consortium, he now responds to high-risk incidents that go beyond the scope of standard police work.

Firefighter/Paramedic Fedel also earned his spot on the team after successfully completely a demanding physical test and interview. Trained alongside law enforcement, Fedel was held to the same physical, written, and shooting standards. Now serving as a medic on the SWAT team, he’ll support missions by operating SWAT vehicles, drones, and robotics—while providing critical medical care to team members in the field. Fedel’s brother, a Van Buren police officer, is a member of the SWAT training cadre

Community Calendar

One Romulus meeting includes pancakes

The latest "One Romulus" community meeting will be hosted by Mayor Robert McCraight at the Romulus VFW Post#78 located at 39270 Huron River Dr., beginning at 9 a.m.

McCraight will be preparing pancakes but will step away from the grill at 10 a.m. to provide updates on city news and announcements, followed by time reserved for questions. This is a free event, but reservations are requested at (734) 942-7571 or at vtoliver@romulusgov.com by Monday, Oct. 13. 

 

Parking garage closed

The upper level of the Central Parking Deck in downtown Plymouth is closed as crews begin work on the ramp. The closure is expected to be in place for several weeks.

The DDA has leased additional 8-hour public parking spots at the Christian Science Church located at 1100 W Ann Arbor Trail just west of Harvey Street for use during the closure. These spots are first-come first-served.

 

Goodfellow holiday help applications now online

Applications for the 2025 Romulus Goodfellows Assistance Program are officially available.

If you or someone you know needs support, visit https://romulusgoodfellows.wixsite.com/.../applications...

Romulus Goodfellows

seootrnpSd1tit91469fA 6uu29hlls1th9t26a30m9621:gM2a 0 itu aA to apply. Completed applications are due Wednesday, Oct. 15.

 

Recycling and shred day set

A Shred and Electronic Recycling Day is set for 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, Oct. 4, at Plymouth Township Hall parking lot, 9955 North Haggerty Road in Plymouth.

Proof of residency in the city or township of Plymouth will be required.

Each vehicle is permitted to bring up to five file-size boxes for shredding. Some household and electronic items will be accepted. For information, visit the Plymouth Township website.

 

Dueling Pianos will fight polio

The Rotary Club of Plymouth AM and the Rotary Passport to Service Club are sponsoring Dueling Pianos For a Cause set for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at the Plymouth VFW Hall, 1425 S. Mill St. in Plymouth

Tickets are $50, and the event is a fundraiser for the End Polio Worldwide effort of Rotary Clubs around the world. Geff Phillips and Mike Caey will perform. Tickets are available from Rotary Club members.

 

Fire station open house is planned in Plymouth

The Plymouth Fire Department will host the annual Fire Safety Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at Fire Station 1, 9955 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth. A full day of fire safety activities and demonstrations is planned.

 

Potters Guild sale set

The Village Potters Guild Annual Holiday Market is planned for Nov. 21-23, the weekend before Thanksgiving. The annual event will take place in Plymouth at 326 N. Main St., just north of the railroad tracks in the building behind Sidecar Slider Bar.

Sales hours are 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and 22, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.