DEARBORN — Veteran Dearborn attorney and former magistrate Sam Salamey has formed an exploratory committee to plan his 2012 campaign run for judge of the 19th District Court in Dearborn.

Sam Salamey

“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,” said Salamey.  “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.”

The 19th District Court, one of the busiest in Michigan, is served by three judges elected in a staggered election process; one of the judges is up for re-election in 2012.

“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,” he added.

As judge, Salamey said he would focus on restoring respect and improving the efficiency of the court.

A longtime Dearborn resident, Salamey operates his own law firm in the city, specializing in criminal and business law.  He previously served as magistrate for the court for 14 years.  

“My current and past experience has given me a strong perspective on the inner-workings of the court,” Salamey said.

Salamey moved to Dearborn at the age of 14.  He began his working life with the Dearborn Police Department as police-community liaison. He then took a job with the Dearborn Board of Education while attending college.  He received his bachelor of arts degree from Wayne State University and his law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing in 1985.