OUR CHOICES FOR AUGUST 4TH

Category: Chronicle Archives Published on Thursday, 30 July 2009 20:00 Written by Michigan Chronicle

In recent years, Detroiters have had to deal with a mayor leaving office in disgrace, an often divisive City Council, and a City Council now shrouded in a federal corruption probe, including one council member who pled guilty and was convicted of bribery — on top of the economic woes affecting the city, the state and the nation.

Enough is enough.

More than 100 men and women are competing for the nine council seats in the Aug. 4 primary. The top 18 vote getters will continue on to the Nov. 3 general election. We believe the following men and women deserve your vote next week: Charles Pugh, John Bennett, Gary Brown, Jai-Lee Dearing, Kwame Kenyatta, Fred Elliott Hall, Ken Donaldson, Karinda Washington, Sheila Jackson, Saunteel Jenkins, Raphael Johnson, Council president Ken Cockrel Jr., Council member Brenda Jones, Dalton Roberson, Jr., Rev. André L. Spivey, Council member Alberta Tinsley-Talabi, James Tate, and Council member JoAnn Watson.

These 18 individuals, a mix of incumbents and new blood, young and old, and from all walks of life, are the best choices to advance to the crucial November ballot.

Council member JoAnn Watson.  Photo- Michigan Chronicle

We see these men and women as the ones best suited to help Detroit get back on its feet, to work well with the mayor, with each other, and with officials on the county, state and federal levels to get the business of government done.

Yes, there has been a lot of talk about a clean sweep of the Detroit City Council. But after much careful examination we arrived at the reality that certain incumbents with experience still need to remain on the council. Their experience on the city’s legislative body combined with the fresh blood on council will make for an interesting and effective handling of the city’s business.

We also believe that Mayor Dave Bing and City Clerk Janice Winfrey deserve to remain in office. Both have worked hard to serve the needs of Detroiters and have much more to offer in the next four years.

Mayor Dave Bing.  Photo- Michigan Chronicle archives

Historically, few voters turn out for primary elections, perhaps feeling their votes carry no weight. This is dangerous thinking, especially given Detroit’s dire economic straits. Don’t just vote for a familiar name or for an incumbent because he or she is an incumbent. Whether you agree with our choices or not, we urge all registered voters to research the candidates, then go to the polls next Tuesday and select the candidates you believe are best suited for their respective offices. Especially these days, we need people in office who will do the work of the people, not squabble with each other or feed their own egos.