DETROIT – On Monday, candidates Saunteel Jenkins, James Craig, Mary Sheffield, and Solomon Kinloch, Jr. gathered for a debate that highlighted some of the main themes affecting Detroit’s future.
The forum, sponsored by AARP and Local Four, tackled a range of pressing issues that matter most to Detroiters, from education to public safety.
Saunteel Jenkins, one of the candidates, generated some buzz among attendees with her pointed remarks in the closing statements of the debate.
“If you want a future that includes more guns in schools, locking up our kids, Craig is your guy. If you want a part-time mayor who’s working two full-time jobs, Kinloch is ready. If you want a mayor who shows up on Instagram but doesn’t show up for meetings, then follow Mary,” Jenkins asserted, drawing attention to her opponents’ perceived shortcomings.
Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr. addressed concerns about balancing his responsibilities between his church and City Hall.
“I will be a full-time mayor. But I will be a mayor that will go to church on Sunday, and when he goes to church on Sunday, he will preach. What’s wrong with a mayor that has a Christian conscience?” Kinloch emphasized his commitment to both his faith and his role as mayor.
The candidates attempted to stay focused as they addressed questions from Detroiters about small business growth, neighborhood investment, and senior issues.
James Craig took the opportunity to defend his reputation, stating, “Is it a surprise that the people of Detroit loved me? They didn’t run from me. They ran to me. Somebody described me as like Detroit’s daddy, and I say that with love. I don’t say it with arrogance. I say it with love.”
Mary Sheffield, currently leading in the polls, acknowledged the criticism directed at her work on the City Council.
“That’s expected. But, again, we’re going to continue to focus on the work that I’ve done. We know that there is still more work to do. But we have made tremendous progress, and we’re going to continue to try and move Detroit forward in a positive direction,” Sheffield said.
While there are nine candidates on the ballot for the upcoming November election, only four met the polling requirements to participate in this debate.
Sheffield, Kinloch, Craig, and Jenkins were selected based on recent polling conducted by Glengariff Group.
In that poll, Detroiters who plan to vote in the primary were asked who they would choose right now.
Candidates needed to secure at least 6% of the vote to qualify for the debate.
The five candidates who did not participate in this debate include Fred Durhall III, Todd Perkins, Joel Haashiim, Jonathan Barlow, and DaNette Simpson.
-->Watch: Local 4’s Detroit mayoral debate at Wayne State University
