Group Behind 'Let's Reclaim Dearborn!' Reveals Self, Advocates Change

The group behind a politically-charged email that circulated online last week revealed itself on Sunday.

"Let's Reclaim Dearborn!" is organized by residents Ryan Woods and Mark Lane. A written statement posted on the Dearborn Residents for Accountability Facebook page and sent to local media outlets claims the group is a political action committee made up of a coalition of Dearborn residents and taxpayers who are "greatly concerned about the current direction of the community."

"Let's Reclaim Dearborn! is not a single-issue organization; and, we feel that ethics and collaboration — in the development and implementation of city ordinances and policies — are necessary for a community," the group said.

"Unfortunately Mayor Jack O'Reilly and most of the 2013 city council candidates he has endorsed have chosen not to listen to residents' concerns or choose transparency as a practice regarding moving our historic city hall, neighborhood recreational options and proposed local taxation — among other issues."

The group came under fire last week when it circulated an email with outgoing Councilwoman Nancy Hubbard's endorsement of six city council candidates.

The email included endorsements for Council President Thomas Tafelski and candidates Tarek Baydoun, Kristyn Taylor, Collette Richards, Susan Dabaja and Brian O'Donnell.

Hubbard has since argued the validity of the email and said she didn't endorse any of the named candidates. Hubbard said she does believe in protecting community assets, including the city's libraries and parks.

"The six candidates that Let's Reclaim Dearborn! and others, regardless of recent media reports, have endorsed believe in a Dearborn that, while adapting to changing times, protects the traditions that have made Dearborn such a great place to live, work and ... raise a family," said Mark Lane, Let's Reclaim Dearborn co-organizer.

Lane said he spoke to Hubbard numerous times before releasing the email with her picture and electronic signature.

"With all of the issues circulating regarding recreation and the small pools, I built a trusting relationship with Councilwoman Hubbard, and as an extension of that I read her the piece and received her endorsement of the six candidates," Lane said.

"We respect her legacy with the city and we wish that Councilwoman Hubbard had not been put in such an awkward position. There are more specific issues in this election, primarily neighborhoods, public safety, accountability and transparency and that is why the six candidates were interviewed and chosen by us. We respect Councilwoman Hubbard's commitment to the neighborhoods, transparency and accountability and we wish her best in her retirement," he said.

Hubbard planned to read a statement clarifying her endorsement at the Oct. 8 city council meeting, however she was stopped by Council President Tom Tafelski.

Tafelski said he will file an ethics grievance against Debra Walling, corporation counsel for the city of Dearborn, who he believes prepared the statement for Hubbard to read.

Tafelski is calling for an investigation to determine whether or not Walling authored the statement while in her official capacity as city attorney, a violation of the city's ethics policy.