Hamtramck’s generous labor contracts finally catch up
In last week’s issue, we published a story about how much some retirees earn each year. For 51 pensioners, they get at least $45,000 a year, which is twice as…
County Executive Ficano is on the money when it comes to tax collection
Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano is onto something when he talks about revamping property taxes. In his State of the County Address, Ficano railed against the Headlee Amendment and Proposal…
Guest editorial: Tertzag’s Two Cents …
By Kyle Tertzag Acting City Manager Hello Hamtramck! I wanted to write today to set the record straight on a few issues that are floating around our town lately. The…
Like it or not, change will have to happen in the Fire Department
Hamtramck firefighters may not like hearing this, but sooner or later their department is in for big changes. At least that’s the word from State Treasurer Andy Dillon, who told…
Reassessment of housing is overdue and unfair to homeowners
Hamtramck homeowners are being cheated. Recently, a slim majority on city council rejected a proposal to conduct a re-assessment of properties. According to city Assessor Tony Fuoco, the last time…
It makes dollars and sense to privatize ambulance service
By the time this newspaper hits the streets, city officials may have decided to privatize Hamtramck’s ambulance service. The Fire Department, as part of the firefighters’ employment contract with the…
Public safety tax would keep Hamtramck financially solvent
Just what do state officials expect? The city received word from the state that it won’t accept the city’s budget deficit elimination plan. The state is also refusing the city’s…
Religious centers of any kind are a bad fit in commercial districts
Kudos to City Councilmember Cathie Gordon for reminding the Zoning Board of Appeals to follow state guidelines when making decisions. Gordon was behind a council resolution that made that reminder…
Deficit elimination plan only buys time for city
Finally. After months of haggling over a budget deficit elimination plan, city officials – with the exception of Councilmember Abdul Algazali – came to an agreement. This…
What in the world is the city’s Plan Commission thinking?
On Feb. 13, The city’s Plan Commission will hold a public hearing on whether to rezone a parcel of land on St. Aubin St. from industrial only use to multi-use.…
