Politics & Government
Elections 2012: Dearborn's 19th District Court
Two candidates are vying for one open spot on the district bench.
On Nov. 6, Dearborn voters will choose their next judge to serve in the 19th District Court.
The general election sees incumbent Judge Richard Wygonik facing off against Dearborn attorney Sam Salamey for the spot.
A third candidate, attorney Candyce Abbatt, was eliminated in the primary election in August.
Find out what's happening in Dearbornwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Wygonik has served in the court since 2005, when he was appointed to the bench by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. He was elected by Dearborn voters in 2006 and appointed chief judge at the beginning of 2012. Before that, he worked as an attorney for more than 30 years–founding his own partnership. In addition, he has sat on the executive board of the Michigan Association for Justice for over 10 years and is an active member in the Dearborn Pioneers Club.
His major endorsements include former 19th District Court Chief Judge Leo K. Foran, the Police Officers Association of Dearborn, Dearborn Firefighters and the Greater Detroit Building and Construction Trades Council PAC.
Find out what's happening in Dearbornwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Salamey has been the prosecuting attorney for Romulus and Garden city. He is currently the senior attorney at Salamey & Farhat, PLLC; chairs the City of Dearborn Board of Ethics; and serves as a magistrate for the 19th District Court.
His major endorsements include Dearborn Mayor Jack O'Reilly and Dearborn Heights Mayor Dan Paletko.
Learn about the candidates on Patch
- Profile on Sam Salamey
- 6 Questions with Sam Salamey
- Profile on Richard Wygonik
- 6 Questions with Richard Wygonik
