School district is relying on contract concessions to balance budget
By Charles Sercombe Last week Hamtramck Schools Superintendent Tom Niczay warned that if school employees don’t soon agree to contract concessions, there could be a state takeover of the district.…
A salute and a toast to Hamtramck’s veterans
By Charles Sercombe We’re not sure why, but Thursday’s Veterans Day seemed to attract more people than usual here in Hamtramck. Maybe it’s the ongoing – and seemingly never-ending –…
Tough talk about city finances
By Charles Sercombe The budget ax is slicing and dicing in City Hall. Well, at least threats of budget cuts and layoffs are flying. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the…
Now it’s the schools’ turn to warn of closings
“Well, all my friends are boppin’ the blues. It, must be goin’ round All my friends are boppin’ the blues. It, must be goin’ round” Carl Perkins, “Boppin’ the Blues”…
New Weed and Seed Youth Coaches hit the ground running
By Ian Perrotta They’ve only been on the job for a few weeks, but the Weed and Seed program’s new Youth Coaches have already began to make a difference. Last…
City is finalizing energy savings plan
By Charles Sercombe Hamtramck is gearing up to save some big bucks in energy costs. Several months ago, it was announced that Hamtramck, along with several other cities involved in…
Hamtramck voters at times at odds with state voters
By Charles Sercombe Hamtramck voters remained true to their Democratic Party roots on Tuesday even though it was the polar opposite of what a majority of state voters supported. Virg…
2009 election had more than one milestone
By Charles Sercombe The 2009 General Election is considered a watershed moment in Hamtramck politics. That’s when Bangladeshi-American voters solidified their position as the city’s major political force. But that…
City’s financial future is uncertain at best
By Charles Sercombe The suspense is over. Last week we reported that a meeting this week about Hamtramck’s financial picture is the makings of a Halloween horror story. It is,…
To look at future of Hamtramck, go west
By Charles Sercombe Hamtramck is feeling mighty broke these days. Just how far can a city go to balance its budget? Look no further than one-square mile sized Maywood, California.…
