Detroit’s Mayoral Race: Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. vs. Mary Sheffield
Detroit’s political landscape is gearing up for a significant shift as the city approaches its mayoral election on November 4. The contest features the seasoned City Council President Mary Sheffield and newcomer to politics, Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., who has served as a senior pastor at Triumph Church for nearly three decades.
In a recent discussion with Michigan Public’s Morning Edition host Doug Tribou, Kinloch elaborated on his vision for Detroit, emphasizing his desire to continue serving the community albeit through a new channel—politics. He highlighted the city’s pressing issues, noting, “We are in such a critical time where the majority of the children in the city of Detroit live in poverty.”
Prioritizing Safety and Economic Growth
Kinloch’s campaign centers around three pivotal objectives: enhancing public safety, promoting affordable housing, and spurring economic development. He described his approach to reducing crime by advocating for community-based policing and fostering trust between residents and law enforcement. His strategy includes recruiting locals to join the police force and establishing liaisons to mend community-police relations.
On the economic front, Kinloch sees small businesses as the foundation for Detroit’s revival, stating, “Just imagine if those same tax credits, tax captures, and incentives that we give to big business, that we use those same incentives for small businesses.” He envisions a scenario where each of the city’s 38,000 small businesses could create a job, significantly boosting employment.
Addressing Infrastructure and State Relations
Infrastructure remains a significant concern for Detroiters, especially regarding persistent flooding issues. Kinloch points out that funds allocated for drainage and sewer improvements have fallen short, necessitating collaboration with state authorities to seek effective solutions.
Regarding Detroit’s role within Michigan, Kinloch believes the mayor should act as a coalition builder to enhance state-city relations and secure necessary resources for Detroit’s development. He asserts, “The mayor is not just a person that casts a vision, but he convenes the table.”
The Race Against Mary Sheffield
As current Mayor Mike Duggan steps down to pursue the governorship, Kinloch faces competition from Mary Sheffield, a veteran council member with 12 years of experience. While acknowledging past successes under Duggan’s administration, Kinloch contends that more needs to be done, especially in addressing poverty among Detroit’s youth. He challenges the status quo by questioning the lack of public hearings to evaluate city policies’ effectiveness and states, “City council leadership is not just about rubber stamping the administration.”
The upcoming election presents a critical decision for Detroit’s voters, who will weigh Kinloch’s fresh perspective against Sheffield’s extensive experience in determining the city’s future direction.
Editor’s note: Some quotes in this article have been lightly edited for length and clarity. You can hear the full interview near the top of this page.
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