Meet the Candidates: City Council–Vote Nov. 7!

Posted on Oct 9, 2017

Meet the Candidates: City Council

List of candidates: (Two top vote getters per ward from the Aug. 5 primary)

Ward One: Anita Brown and Eric Mays

Ward Two: Maurice D. Davis and Jackie Poplar

Ward Three: Santino Guerra and Kerry L. Nelson

Ward Four: Michael Doan and Kate Fields

Ward Five: Wantwaz Davis and Jerri Winfrey-Carter

Ward Six: Chia Morgan and Herbert Winfrey

Ward Seven: Monica Galloway and Heather Morolla Kale

Ward Eight: J. Allen Griggs and Joyce Ellis McNeal

Ward Nine: Eva Worthing [See note at Ward Nine section below]

Write in candidate added 10/11: Trace Fisher

In one of the most complicated local election cycles in recent Flint history, an East Village Magazine team attempted to assemble information for our readers about all of the candidates whose names will appear on the Nov. 7 ballot.

All nine city council seats also are up for grabs. One incumbent, Vicki Van Buren, was ousted by one vote in the Aug. 5 primary; seven of the others are facing challengers.

Ninth Ward Councilman Scott Kincaid will not be on the council ballot, since a court decided that he could not run for two offices at once. A frequent opponent of the mayor, Kincaid chose to run for mayor.

Our reporting team – Meghan Christian, Dylan Doherty, Patsy Isenberg, and Jan Worth-Nelson – connected with 22 candidates for the October hard copy. Several more who missed our hard copy deadline – Council President Kerry Nelson, Third Ward; Councilman Herbert Winfrey, Sixth Ward; and Councilwoman Jackie Poplar, Second Ward, submitted answers to the questions and are included here, for a total of 14 out of the 17 city council candidates.

Those we did not successfully connect with in the City Council race were Maurice Davis, Ward 2; Michael Doan, Ward 4; and J. Allen Griggs, Ward 8.

We posed four questions to each group. EVM editors have lightly edited for clarity and readability. Grammatical and word choices are as the candidates wrote them or spoke them to our reporters. The candidates responses are listed numerically by ward and alphabetically.

This is an election that could change the face of Flint city government as the city continues its recoveries and developments. It’s an important time to read up on the candidates and cast your ballot Nov. 7.

Ward One

Anita Brown

1. What are your two most important qualifications for this job?
Nearly twenty years experience in the Office of Ombudsman, also a life long Community Activist. I have seen this city and community at its best, as well as its worse. I know that working together as a whole we can create a New Flint.
2. Why are you running?
To serve the residents of this community, also improve the lives of all constituents of the city of Flint by applying my experience and knowledge, regarding policy and procedures as well as legislative process.
3. What three issues are most important to you citywide or in your ward, and why?
Affordable water that’s free and clear of all contaminates short and long term. The physical and mental health of our children and seniors. In addition to economic and job development that will address our poverty.
4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?
I want to be a council person that works with others on the council in a matter that will help projects move from concept to reality.

Eric Mays

1. What are your two most important qualifications for this job?
A passion for the City of Flint and its people and a firm knowledge of how City Government should work.
2. Why are you running?
I feel that I have more to do for the 1st Ward residents.
3. What three issues are most important to you city-wide or in your ward , and why?
Safe and affordable water because it is a human right. Public safety, because we need more police for our residents’ calls. Jobs for Flint Residents to strengthen our tax base and provide a better quality of life.
4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?
I would like to be City Council President for 2017/2018 to show how the Council can be productive and effective.

Ward Two

Maurice Davis: No response received

Jackie Poplar

Jacqueline Poplar

1. What are your two most important qualifications for this job?

I’ve been a servant for the 2nd Ward and City of Flint for 12 years. I’ve continuously fought for budget accountability and quality public service.

2. Why are you running (again)?

To continue as a servant to the 2nd Ward and the City of Flint to be able to move the city I live in and love to a higher level.

3. What three issues are most important to you?

–Economic development/Job development — they go hand in hand.

–Removal of blight: business will come/families will come. This builds strong communities.

–Crime prevention: which means closing of drug houses, getting help for those who are in need of dugs, education the community on crime prevention (See it–Tell it).

4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council? I will:

Continue to support the citizens and community in their needs and vision.

Call for accountability of slum landlords (re-doing some of the ordinances).

Continue to have intergovernmental relationship with other council members from other cities.

Stand on principles to lift up our youth and senior citizens,

Continue to fight for clean safe drinking water at a rate that is affordable for citizens.

Assure quality public service for the whole community.

Ward Three

Santino Guerra

1. What are your two most important qualifications for this job? Driven – We pay the same taxes, drive on the same roads, and have grown up in the same communities. We need someone driven to fight for the people. Experienced – I may be young but I’ve served as a United States Senate Page in Washington D.C., worked on several campaigns, and ready to fight tooth and nail for the people.
2. Why are you running?
I’m running because I want to make sure that the city of Flint is going in the right direction. I want to see us go forward and get along. I want the people to have a voice, and it’s time to be heard.
3. What three issues are most important to you city-wide or in your ward , and why?
“The Water Crisis – Because every person has the right to safe drinking water that is also affordable. Blight– abandoned homes and blight are huge safety hazards and eyesores to the community. Public safety–residents and anyone passing through should feel safe and protected.
4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?
I will be bringing a new face with new ideas. I am willing to work with anyone to do what’s best for our city. Together we can start taking that step in the right direction.

Kerry Nelson

What are your two most important qualifications?
The voters of the 3rd Ward have elected and trusted me for a combined six years.
As City Council president, I have been afforded a wealth of municipal knowledge on budgetary control, public service, economic issues. I have proven my leadership and problem solving skills with many accomplishments, including getting 450 houses demolished in two years, leading fights to block the Rizzo trash contract and to place a moratorium on water property liens, standing up to Gov. Snyder’s handling of the water crisis, supporting hiring of additional police offers and fire fighters.

Why are you running again?
I have lived in the 3rd Ward for 50 years. I am very familiar with the problems that are plaguing us. I am compassionate about working collaboratively in restoring the living conditions, pride, dignity and reputation of the 3rd Ward and Flint and making the 3rd Ward a safe beautiful place for families and to raise children.
What three issues are most important to you?
Fiscal and budgetary accountability, public safety and quality affordable public services—including safe, affordable drinking water, and economic/community development.
How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?
I will continue being a positive and willing team player, keeping an open mind, maintaining my professionalism, using my experience, knowledge and leadership skills. I will make myself available. I will continue to work diligently in
keeping myself and the Council focused on the issues at hand. I will remain honest, truthful, dependable and transparent. I will adhere to the City Charter, Policies and Procedures and the Council Rules. I will work to maintain a respectful relationship with the Administration, department heads, employees, the community and others. Finally, I will NOT compromise my vote, and I will always make decisions that are in the best interest of the people and in compliance with the City Charter.

Ward Four

Michael Doan: No response received

Kate Fields

1. What are your two most important qualifications for this job?
Knowledge of how Government works and Experience. I have both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Public Administration (UM-Flint and UM-Ann Arbor). I teach government and non-profit classes (12 years) at UM-Flint in the Master’s of Public Administration Program. I have about 20 years of experience in writing and administrating government and foundation grants and grant programs (Federal, State, Local and Private). I’ve served on City Council now for almost two years and have gained a wealth of knowledge of practical issues of government administration and operations.”
2. Why are you running (again)?
The job I took on is definitely not finished. The more I learn the more I find out how poorly run our City is. I am committed to providing the best City services and quality of life that we can. We’re in the middle of an extremely important issue (will affect generations) of Water Source Choice and I don’t believe that Mayor Weaver or Governor Snyder are leading us in the right direction.”
3. What three issues are most important to you city-wide or in your ward , and why?

1. Clean, AFFORDABLE Water.
2. Economic Development and the provision of jobs for residents.
3. Public Safety and adequate, RESPONSIVE city services.

4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?
I have already demonstrated my value by being the Council Leader doing research and uncovering government documents that have documented behind-the-scenes (lack of transparency) negotiations between the State and Mayor Weaver. Also by uncovering cronyism and corruption in attempts to give Rizzo Environmental a garbage contract.
I wrote new City Council rules to attempt to bring professionalism to City Council meetings.
I respond to all Citizen complaints and Concerns as best I can (the Mayor’s Administration is responsible for carrying out the actual work).
I am attempting to re-write 250 Ordinances that the Emergency Financial Manager re-wrote (which are Dictatorial and undemocratic) and doing all I can to rid us of the Receivership Transition Board. We need to return to full Home Rule where we can hold ELECTED officials responsible.

Ward Five

Wantwaz Davis

1. What are your two most important qualifications for this job?
First is my experience in government—in budgetary processes, submission of legislation.
Number two is my commitment, passion, transparency and accountability to create change that is effective and beneficial to the residents of the city of Flint, Michigan.
2. Why are you running?
Because my mission has not been completed. There is no relief for the crippling low-to-moderate, poverty-stricken people in my city. When relief comes in, from the tax base to crime prevention to good education, then my job will be completed, but thus far, it has not been completed.
3. What three issues are most important to you city-wide or in your ward , and why?
Quality water, affordable water, and creation of jobs. These are my three because they are more compelling than has ever been known in the city of Flint, and the city is in dire need and under stress. We have to find a way to create jobs, create a strong tax base, and jobs. Jobs kill many birds with one stone. Jobs are the epitome of a path to sound, concrete, effective public safety.
4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?
By remaining transparent, accountable and responsible, with the residents’ demanding needs as the focal point of my decision-making.

Jerri Winfrey-Carter

1. What are your two most important qualifications for this job?
My two most important qualifications for the job of 5th Ward City Council are my deep-seated devotion to my birthplace, and my love and compassion for the resilient people who call the city of Flint their home.
2. Why are you running?
I am running because I love my community and I have the desire to serve the people of Flint. While it is my mission to serve, I feel that I can bring a wealth of experience, a wide breadth of knowledge, and a great degree of passion, patience, and people skills to the table.
3. What three issues are most important to you city-wide or in your ward , and why?

The three issues of most importance to me and the people of my ward and the city of Flint in general are:
1.) The creation of jobs through economic development in our city, including attracting additional manufacturing firms; and the development and implementation of a small business development plan.
2.) The elimination and control of blight, and the demolition of abandoned, dilapidated housing structures in the 5th Ward.
3.) The restoration of clean, safe, healthy tap water running through the faucets of every home in the city. Each of the above is equally important.
4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?
First, I will assume the office without the arrogant belief that I am a knight in shining armor coming to save City Council from itself. I will try with everything within my being to lead by example. I will have a listening ear and unabridged tolerance and respect for the opinions and decisions of my colleagues. I will take office with a strong desire to create a collegial relationship with my fellow council members, and a strong desire to reestablish civility in a public body that seemingly forgets whom it is representing more often than not.

Ward Six

Chia Morgan

1. What are your two most important qualifications for this job?
My two most important qualifications for this job are a passion to see Flint thrive, and a working knowledge of how City government should work as an individual who has studied Public Administration.
2. Why are you running?
Because I love Flint and I am interested in being a apart of the solution, I am in love with this town and not only do I love this town, I made a choice to remain here to serve this city in various capacities. I love the people of Flint and when you think of public offices this is the one that actually allows me to bring fresh perspectives, advocate for the people and have direct interaction to listen and take action on the needs of the community.
3. What three issues are most important to you city-wide or in your ward, and why?
All of the issues facing the City of Flint are dear to my heart but the concerns that stick out the most are: selection of a long-term water source because it is a major component of recovering from the devastating effects of the water crisis, working with public officials to identify ways and seek funds to keep our neighborhoods safe and blight reduction; in addition to the eye sores that they create, blighted properties create safety hazards and decrease property values.
4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?
There are a number of added dimensions that I am able to add to the council: a desire and ability to work with everyone, level headed, forward thinker that understands that the residents deserve quality services, safe community and a reasonable voice for the people.

Herbert Winfrey

What are your two most important qualifications for this job?

Good listening and being an independent thinker.

You’ve got to be able to be a good listener. I’m talking about “mindful” listening–when I’m listening to you, I block out all the noise, I’m listening for content and intent so I will be able to understand you and then we can get at the matter better.

And being an independent thinker–I don’t care who’s on what side of the issue, I’m looking at the content of the issue, how it affects the constituency that I serve, and based on all the information that I have, making the best judgement.

Why are you running?

Because I serve my people well. When my people call me, I call them back. I want to make sure that what they’re asking, I can deliver. Then I always check back to make sure that those things are taking place. That’s what I was put on this earth for, to serve. I practice trying to serve people the way I want to be served.

3. What three issues are most important to you–city-wide or in your ward?

We’re at a critical juncture facing some real critical issues. Of course there’s water, the future of our water. Then blight. And of course, the next issue is crime.

A city is what it accepts — as we all are — we are what we accept. There’s a lot of education that goes into my responsibility as a citizen — a lot of that is what I’m supposed to do, go to meetings and listen to people. But for all of us, you got to get involved. That’s what moves the needle. That promotes the process, that’s what promotes change.

4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?

— I pledge to work with council members and administration to reach the results that are in the best interest of the residents of the City of Flint.

–I pledge to make good/the best decisions for the residents of the City of Flint.

–I pledge to be transparent.

Ward Seven

Monica Galloway

1. What are your two most important qualifications for this job?
My dedication and commitment to serving the needs of my constituency during my tenure on the city council during the Flint water crisis was unwavering. My ability to learn and understand governmental finances to present a balanced budget.
2. Why are you running?
I am running to serve the residents and help to enact policies/legislation and continue adopting a budget that helps to improve the lives of all residents of the City of Flint and is balanced to ensure we live within our revenue parameters.
3. What three issues are most important to you city-wide or in your ward , and why?
Clean / lead free and affordable water. When this is achieved it will help to ensure the short and long-term mental and physical health of our children. Creating a financially sustainable healthy tree landscape that includes a preservation, planting, and maintenance.
4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?
I will continue to communicate the needs of my constituency to the administration and council in a professional and respectful manner. I am committed to constructively working with elected officials duly chosen by the people.

Heather Kale

1. What are your two most important qualifications for this job?
I am a quick and independent thinker that can adapt to varying situations based on my education and common sense. I am keenly aware of resources within the Flint community so I can contribute to the connectivity and progress.
2. Why are you running?
It started out with me being frustrated by current leadership across the board. Local, State and Nationally…. it morphed into a desire for change and the need for fostering ideas and relationships within our community. In addition, my passion and commitment to Flint is unwavering. Passion along with the desire to learn, listen and help whenever possible are characteristics that would benefit City Council. I want to be a part of a solution to move our city forward.
3. What three issues are most important to you city-wide or in your ward , and why?
1) The Water Crisis, recovery and properly educating/informing residents of the progress should be at the top of everyone’s focus areas. 2) We have limited resources and it’s important that we work with the City Administration, State and Federal Elected Officials to identify opportunities to build the resources back up. Our residents need to feel safe and that is difficult when the money allocated for public safety is constrained by a limited tax base. We need to be creative and collaborative to come up with solutions. 3) Blight is overtaking Flint. We have a population of about 100,000 with a infrastructure that was built to support over double that. How can we possibly keep up? We need to identify leaders in the City, Wards and Precincts that can help inform our Blight Elimination Office and perhaps take it step further and pick up a rake or help mow a lawn. The new website flintpropertyportal.com is a start in the right direction. A great tool that needs to be utilized to its fullest capability.
4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?
Being well-informed and well-prepared is important. There needs to be professional development around leadership, cultural competency, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and most of all TRUST. We can’t be productive if we don’t understand the basics.

Ward Eight

J. Allen Griggs: No response received

Joyce Ellis McNeal

1. What are your two most important qualifications for this job?
I am a registered elector in the City of Flint and have been a resident and registered voter for 18 years, with expertise and experience with Flint Water Crisis, promoting community resilience, and the Flint Master Plan. Furthermore, I work with several organizations and the community. Masters in Public Administration, BS-Business Administration/Organization Management, and Government Policies. As a certified Citizen Planner, I am more than qualified to provide the skills in the enactment of ordinances and resolutions. I have excellent collaboration and communication skills that are necessary for bridging the gaps between residents and government.
2. Why are you running?
I strongly feel it is time to take the fate of our city into our own hands and begin to move things forward for the benefits of its residents. This city is very near and dear to me; so much that when my deceased son’s immune system was compromised from the consumption of poison water, many people left Flint. However, I remained to fight for all of our citizens and their rights to clean water.
3. What three issues are most important to you city-wide or in your ward , and why?
1. Employment: to address and work with new business and old business, as well as, non-profit organizations in making employment available for the young men in this city with felony records from not being able to pay child support, due to the inability to find jobs.
2. Rental properties and blight: Ward 8 must be a part of the revitalization and sustainability process. We must ensure that property values increase, not decrease due to blight.
3. The City of Flint Water source and ensuring that citizens’ rights to clean water and reasonable rates are provided.
4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?

I take the public oath now to be a representative of the City of Flint and Ward 8 by conducting myself with decorum, by acting respectfully with constituents, my fellow council members, and all public and private servants. I will adhere to the duties of office as outlined in the Charter.”

Ward Nine

Ed Note: Incumbent Ninth Ward Councilman Scott Kincaid was barred by a judge from running for both city council and mayor. Following that decision, Kincaid chose to run for mayor, leaving just Ms. Worthing on the ballot. As of Oct. 11, Trace Fisher has announced himself as a write-in candidate and is included below.

Eva Worthing

1. What are your two most important qualifications for this job?
I have the determination and passion to ensure that my community is always taken care of. I also have integrity and would proudly represent my constituents by always doing what is right.
2. Why are you running?
My main focus has always been to help others. This is why I went into teaching and why I am now running for council. When I moved to Flint 2.5 years ago, my daughter was a newborn. I had heard of residents who were complaining about the water so I decided not to use it. My daughter could have been severely affected by the lead and bacteria in the water. This was unacceptable to me. We need a change in leadership in the city of Flint.
3. What three issues are most important to you city-wide or in your ward , and why?
The number one issue for the city of Flint is still safe drinking water, unfortunately. I plan to develop urban-farming programs to benefit expectant mothers and children that will reduce lead levels and its effects. The next issue that I would focus on is the safety of our citizens. My goal is to increase police presence by working with the budget and applying for grants. Lastly, I will support established businesses and bring new businesses to the 9th Ward.
4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?
All city business should be conducted in a professional and organized manner with a unified goal of doing what is best for the entire city. I will answer to my constituents by listening and responding to emails and phone calls. Monthly coffee hours, ward meetings, and social media are all ways that I plan on keeping my constituents informed. I truly have the best interest of my city in mind!

Trace Fisher

Trace Fisher (Write-in candidate: will not appear on ballot)

1. What are your two most important qualifications for this job?

Leadership ability and passion

2. Why are you running?

I am running because i am tired of the corruption and bad government. Politicians are bankrupting flint. The missapropriation of funds must come to an end.

3. What three issues are most important to you – city-wide or in your ward –and why?

The water goes without saying, so ill speak about 3 others. First is the youth in the community, too often thier resources are missapropriated and mismanaged. Second would be crime. People on the council are rooting for the police department to fail. Theyre happy that lay offs are coming. No one will invest in flint without drinkable water and dangerous streets. Third is crime and blight. They go hand in hand. In the ninth ward heroine runs rampad and i am currently working with the police force to fix that.

4. How will you contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of the city council?

Best way to be productive is to be stronger than that and allign with whats best for the people first, then the city’s needs, NOT whats best for the elite who have money and influence.

East Village Magazine Editor Jan Worth-Nelson, Managing Editor Meghan Christian, and staff writers Dylan Doherty and Patsy Isenberg participated in collecting and assembling these candidate statements.

Meet the Candidates: City Council–Vote Nov. 7!