Dearborn Lawyer Announces Likely Run for District Judge Seat

A Dearborn lawyer this week announced his intention to run for a seat on the bench at the city's .

Attorney and former magistrate Sam Salamey said in a statement that he has formed an exploratory committee to plan for his 2012 campaign.

“I have been approached by numerous citizens and civic and business leaders across Dearborn and they have urged me to consider running for district court judge next year," Salamey said. “I am going to spend the next two months planning all aspects of the campaign and will make a formal announcement at the time specified by the Secretary of State for the next election cycle.”

Salamey will be running for Judge Richard Wygonik's seat, which is up in 2012.

Wygonik has served since 2005, and last month.

Salamey, a longtime Dearborn resident and prominent member of the community, said his decision to run for the seat came after hearing complaints from residents about how the court is operating–including issues regarding internal tension among employees.

“People across Dearborn have told me they are not pleased with how their court has been functioning,” Salamey said. “There have been many lawsuits filed against the court, causing a drain on taxpayer dollars. In addition, there has been a lot of internal fighting and bickering that has created tremendous turmoil. The staff is demoralized and the operations of the court have been seriously impacted."

Salamey's legal and community background is extensive.

A resident since age 14, he began his working life with the as police-community liaison. He then took a job with the Dearborn Board of Education while attending college, receiving his bachelor’s of arts degree from Wayne State University and his law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing in 1985.

A practicing lawyer ever since, Salamey opened his own firm in 1999 in Dearborn, specializing in criminal and business law. He also served as magistrate for the district court for 14 years. 

Salamey has served in several community roles as well, including chairman of the city Board of Ethics and president of the Lebanese American Heritage Club.  he has also served on the boards of , the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and the International Association for Organ Donors.

The filing deadline for district court candidates is May 1 and March 26 for incumbents. Wygonik has not yet announced a run for reelection.