I’m writing to thank the Free Press for its recent voter guide, “Who’s running in Detroit election? Hear from candidates in their own words.” I found the guide helpful to better understand where all the candidates for mayor stand. For me, the person who stood out the most with her answers is former Detroit City Council President and THAW CEO Saunteel Jenkins.
Her experience in business and government is exactly what we need in our next mayor. I’m a founding partner in Greektown Casino who has also developed a successful shopping center at 8 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue. Jenkins’ plans for business development and growth in our neighborhoods is spot on. She is the only candidate who started her own small business and served as a CEO of a multi-million nonprofit. Things will be harder financially for the next mayor. Jenkins is the most qualified and experienced candidate in the race. She has my vote.
Marvin Beatty
Detroit
Long-term residents aren’t getting enough support
During Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s tenure, Detroit has seen visible improvements — especially in Downtown and Midtown. But these strides have mostly benefited new residents. Longtime Detroiters, many of whom have remained loyal to the city through its hardest times, have seen little meaningful growth in their communities.
If we want to enjoy beautiful neighborhoods and access new job opportunities, we often have to do so from the outside looking in. There has been little investment extended to the neighborhoods where longtime Detroiters live. Instead, we face a lack of police presence, no access to grants for legacy small businesses, and a growing number of dilapidated buildings and homes.
The gleam of Midtown and Downtown feels like a painful disrespect when, just a few blocks away, children are waiting for unreliable city buses in front of unsafe, crumbling houses, often surrounded by drug activity and unchecked addiction. Meanwhile, Detroit’s poverty rate remains higher than the state average.
According to Detroit Future City, the number of middle-class neighborhoods has decreased over the past decade. And the new, well-paying jobs being created are far more likely to go to new residents than to those who have lived here for generations.
What we need in our next mayor is someone who is connected to the people, especially to longtime residents and business owners. We need leadership that understands we need more than liquor stores, dispensaries and fast-food joints.
Funding should go to those who are creating real, sustainable programs for our youth — not just temporary initiatives that pacify the community. Detroit doesn’t need more surface-level progress — we need deep, equitable change that includes everyone.
Hamza Shabazz
Detroit
Sheffield is not the best choice
The editorial board’s endorsements for the August primary disappoint with your endorsement of City Council President Mary Sheffield for mayor.
For mayoral candidates who are current council members, the editorial board would have benefited from looking closely at how well they (i.e., Sheffield and Fred Durhal Jr.) represent and serve their constituents.This District 5 constituent since 2020 has lived in multiple large cities (i.e., Chicago, Seattle and Sacramento) and has experience of interacting with council, ward members and staff members. If I expressed concerns about proposals, needs and problems, I found that those representatives would be timely, responsive and have staff follow-up as needed.
Like many politicians, Ms. Sheffield seems to seek media attention perhaps more than responding to constituent concerns. And, her truckloads of campaign cash and endless mailers suggest she could be beholden to special interests if elected.
I wish the editorial board had given Saunteel Jenkins her due, as she performed well in multiple debates and seems to have the governmental and business experience and overall skill set to move the city forward.
Greg Ptucha
Detroit
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroiters weigh in on mayoral election | Letters
Reporting by Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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