noteworthy Justice At
noteworthy Justice At Last? Mazyn Barash’s torturous lawsuit against his former employer may finally be over. The Chaldean man has been awarded 0,000 by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission for racial abuse and threats he suffered while working at the SMART bus system. In its decision, the commission also ordered that SMART stop “discriminating against any employee” and to not create “a hostile work environment.” Barash, now 55, was subjected to ethnic slurs after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorism attacks and said they increased around the time the Iraq war began in 2003. The proceedings have dragged on for eight years. “I cannot really say it’s over yet until complete justice has been served,” Barash said. “I plan on exposing how SMART uses tax dollars to achieve their illegal and corrupt goals. I have already filed with the Attorney Grievance Commission asking for them to investigate SMART’s lawyers and the hearing officers’ conflicts that were the cause of the delay.” Of SMART, he added, “I was up against a giant with many political alliances throughout the entire state and 0 million at their disposal. I was fortunate to have a caring commission that took the time to review the entire record.” Art Exhibit Gets to the ‘Root’ of Things Chaldean and Jewish artists in all media will showcase their work at a special exhibit called Roots beginning on July 12. The exhibition opens with a reception with wine and cheese from 6-8 p.m. on July 12. It continues on July 13 (10 a.m.- 6 p.m.) and July 14 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S. Cranbrook Road in Birmingham. Participating artists include: Maysoun Aisakal, Lynne Avadenka, Wesam Bajoka, Mira Burack, Michael Daitch, Hala Eliya, Amer Fatuhi, Marcia Freedman, Oren Goldenberg, Rik Jonna, Gail Rosenbloom Kaplan, Laith Karmo, Amanda Krugliak, Faina Lerman, Toby Millman, Sulafa Roumayah, Zuhair Shaaoni, Joanne Yono Shago, Robert Schefman, Reni Stephan and Sam Selou Wazi. The show is sponsored by the Arts & Culture Committee of Building Community, the joint initiative of the Chaldean News and the Jewish News. It is co-sponsored by the Chaldean Cultural Center. “Both the Chaldean and Jewish communities have very successful entrepreneurs and professionals who have become well-known to the public through their business ventures and clientele,” said Mary Roumaya, co-chair of the Arts and Culture Committee. “Roots will provide an opportunity to highlight those individuals whose artistic talents may not be generally known but their works deserve recognition. We have many talented people in both communities and the visual arts is the one area that we are highlighting now but, hopefully in the future, there will be opportunities to showcase other areas such as music, dance and theater.” Singing Sensations Sought COACH (Chaldean Outreach and Community Hope) is currently seeking talented contestants to compete for a cash prize and the coveted title of Chaldean Idol. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and email a video in which they sing a capella to chaldeanidol@ coachinfo.org. Once videos are submitted, a number of individuals will be asked to perform in a live audition. Eight finalists will be chosen as contestants for the show, which will take place in September or October. Learn more by contacting Jovian B. Nafsu at jovian@coachinfo.org Short Takes Kristen Danyal made it past the first round but ultimately did not succeed in her quest to be Miss USA. Danyal, the first Chaldean to ever win the title of Miss Michigan, Kristen Danyal competed in the pageant on June 3, in Las Vegas. …The social site “Metro Detroit Chaldean Singles 35- 50,” which was profiled in our June issue, has a new name. It’s now called “Chaldean Social Club.” Find it at Meetup.com. … A golf outing at Shenandoah Country Club is set for July 18. It benefits the Adopt A Refugee Family program, which has contributed more than million to needy families who have fled Iraq. Sponsorships are also available. Learn more from Karl Senawi, (248) 763-7300 or karl.senawi@gmail.com. 1 2 3 4 Outstanding Grads 1. Grace Lutfy of White Lake was Co-Valedictorian for the Marian Class of 2012. The daughter of Michelle Najor Lutfy and Paul Lutfy, Grace was class secretary for three years, both vice president and president of the National Honor Society and an AP Scholar. Other activities include Model United Nations, Marian Ambassador, Marian Honor Code Committee, the Spanish Honor Society, and three school sports teams. At graduation she was chosen by her peers as the winner of the 2012 Herman School Spirit Award. Grace plans to attend the University of Michigan to study Public Policy and International Affairs. 2. Over at Mercy High School, Lilliana Haddad was a Co-Salutatorian for the Class of 2012. She is a Magna Cum Laude graduate, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and a French Honor Society Officer. She was named a National Honor Society Distinguished Scholar in the Michigan Youth Arts Festival, received an Outstanding Senior in French Award from the Northeast Conference World Language Association and earned a Link Leader Service Award. 3. Brother Rice High School grad Christopher Andrew Sesi was Co-Valedictorian. The youngest son of Steve and Eman Sesi, he was a member of the National Honor Society and Latin Honor Society; received a National Science Merit Award from the United States Achievement Academy; was an MH- SAA Scholar-Athlete Award finalist; and received a Scholastic All Catholic Award. Chris served as a peer tutor, volunteered at Beaumont’s Center for Children’s Rehabilitation and played various sports while at Brother Rice. A talented pianist, he will join his brother, Michael, at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and plans to study medicine. 4. Alden George Kajy graduated from Pleasant Lake Elementary School on June 11 with two awards – Educational Excellence for getting all As, and the Principal’s Leadership Award in recognition of outstanding academic performance, leadership, citizenship and all-around effort as a fifth-grader. Alden, the son of Firas and Zina Kajy, hopes to become a doctor one day. 12 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2012
“As a prosecutor, every day I take an oath and fight for the People of the State of Michigan. As your next representative, I will take the same oath and remind Lansing who they are working for: You, the People!” – Klint Kesto Klint Kesto is a pro life Republican who has committed his time and resources to the cause for years. I am an active member of the community as a Mother of God Church parish council member, a St. Thomas Church parishioner, and a Board Member of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and the Chaldean American Bar Association. 11 PRIMARY ELECTION A OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN B TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2012 OFFICIAL BALLOT Primary Election Tuesday, August 7, 2012 Oakland County, Michigan Charter Township of West Bloomfield, Precinct 24 PARTISAN SECTION VOTE ONLY 1 PARTY SECTION NONPARTISAN SECTION C 21 REPUBLICAN PARTY SECTION CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY SECTION CONGRESSIONAL JUDICIAL JUDGE OF CIRCUIT COURT 6th CIRCUIT NON-INCUMBENT POSITION Vote for not more than 1 REPUBLICAN FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE Pro Life Pro Business Pro Constitution KLINT KESTO’S OATH TO YOU, THE PEOPLE! 1. I will vote to roll back the 2007 Income Tax increase. 2. I will vote against any increase in gas taxes or car registration fees. 3. I will vote to reduce government spending. 4. I will vote to increase police and fire protection and outlaw drugs such as K2 Spice. 5. I will maintain a 100% pro-life voting record. 6. I will maintain a 100% pro-Second Amendment voting record. 7. I will vote to protect traditional marriage. 8. I will vote to increase government transparency and accountability. 9. I will vote to keep educational choice with parents. 10. I will vote for a part-time legislature and to dock their pay for any session days absent. PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT KLINT KESTO • PO BOX 1193 • WALLED LAKE, MI 48390 40 43 44 47 51 UNITED STATES SENATOR Vote for not more than 1 Pete Hoekstra Clark Durant Gary Glenn Randy Hekman REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS 14th DISTRICT Vote for not more than 1 John Hauler LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE IN STATE LEGISLATURE 39th DISTRICT Vote for not more than 1 Klint Kesto Bubba Urdan Kristine Zrinyi Albert Clawson Brad Hantler Nicholas Kennedy COUNTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE Vote for not more than 1 E. Wadsworth Sherrod III L. Brooks Patterson PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Vote for not more than 1 Mike Bishop SHERIFF Vote for not more than 1 James Stevens Michael J. Bouchard CLERK/REGISTER OF DEEDS Vote for not more than 1 Bill Bullard, Jr. TREASURER Vote for not more than 1 UNITED STATES SENATOR Vote for not more than 1 Debbie Stabenow REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS 14th DISTRICT Vote for not more than 1 Hansen Clarke Bob Costello Brenda Lawrence Gary Peters Mary Waters LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE IN STATE LEGISLATURE 39th DISTRICT Vote for not more than 1 Regina Strong Pam Jackson COUNTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE Vote for not more than 1 Kevin Howley PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Vote for not more than 1 Jessica R. Cooper SHERIFF Vote for not more than 1 Jane Felice Boudreau CLERK/REGISTER OF DEEDS Vote for not more than 1 Lisa Brown TREASURER Vote for not more than 1 Andy Meisner WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER Vote for not more than 1 Jim Nash Jason Pernick Layne Ashley Sakwa Dan Christ Sahera Housey Karen McDonald JUDGE OF DISTRICT COURT 48th DISTRICT INCUMBENT POSITION Vote for not more than 1 Steven Schwartz Josh Arnkoff Diane D'Agostini Judge of District Court Gary R. Sanfield PROPOSAL SECTION COUNTY OAKLAND COUNTY ART INSTITUTE AUTHORITY MILLAGE The Oakland County Art Institute Authority established pursuant to Public Act 296 of 2010 to allow for continuing support of art institute services for the students, residents and visitors of Oakland County. The law allows the Authority to seek authorization from the electors to levy a tax of not more than 0.2 mill (20 cents per ,000 of taxable value) on real and personal property to provide revenue to an art institute services provider for this purpose. Accordingly, to continue providing art institute services to benefit the residents of Oakland County, shall a 0.2 mill on all of the taxable property located within the County be imposed for a period of ten (10) years, being years 2012 through 2021? It is estimated that if approved and levied, this new millage would generate approximately ,847,191 in 2012. on the amount of taxes imposed on Marty Knollenberg Mark Danowski taxable property in the Oakland County Public Transportation Authority area be renewed at .59 mills (59 cents per ,000 of taxable value) for two (2) years, 2012 WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER COUNTY COMMISSIONER Vote for not more than 1 and 2013, inclusive, for the purpose of 7th DISTRICT Vote for not more than 1 providing funds for the support of a public transportation system serving the elderly, John P. McCulloch disabled, and general public of the County of Oakland? It is estimated that Paul Caradonna .59 mills would raise approximately ATTENTION million when levied in 2012. COUNTY COMMISSIONER 7th DISTRICT Vote for not more than 1 YES NO Christine A. Long 39TH District Voters! YES NO OAKLAND COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION MILLAGE RENEWAL If approved, this proposal will renew the .59 mills levied by the Oakland County Public Transportation Authority in 2010, for the years 2010 through 2011, and will allow continued support to the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) for a public transportation system serving the elderly, disabled, and general public of Oakland County. As a renewal of the mills which expired with the 2011 tax levy, shall the limitation Check your NEW Voter ID Card for new polling A W. Bloomfield locations 24 B Typ:01 & Seq:0205 Spl:01 7.4.2.0 / 012503-19 © Election Systems & Software, Inc. 1981, 2002 VOTE BOTH FRONT AND BACK OF BALLOT REMEMBER YOU MAY NOT SPLIT YOUR BALLOT in the August 7th, 2012 Primary Election OFFICIAL CLERK NOTICE Commerce Township, City of Wixom, West Bloomfield Township and Village of Wolverine Lake www.KlintKesto.com Vote Klint Kesto Tuesday, August 7th To be your next Republican State Representative from the 39th District. Give Klint a call on his cell at 248.214.8784 C JULY 2012 CHALDEAN NEWS 13
