Special Primary Mayoral Election

Hello Friends

On Tuesday, February 24, 2009, a special primary election will take place for the purpose of nominating two candidates for Mayor of Detroit, that will go on to the General Election slated for May 5, 2009. Detroit, this is your primary. Just as we came out strong during the Presidental election, lets comment to the same dedication for a new Detroit. We must remember that when we vote, we take with us the hope of better days for our seniors, our children and our City. Let us ensure that we place in office, the right person that will lead our City into better days. You must search within your heart and do your own research in studying the candidates that have been placed before you.

The candidates for Mayor is as follows:

Dave Bing
Donald R. Bradley
Stanley Michael Christmas
Ken Cockrel Jr.
Frances D. Culver
Warren Cleage Evans
Freman Hendrix
Joseph W. Holt
Nicholas Hood III
Sharon McPhil
Duane Montgomery
Brenda K. Sanders
Jerroll Sanders
D. Etta Wilcoxon
Coleman A. Young

Included in this special election are 6 Bonding Proposals:

Proposal N - City of Detroit Neighborhood Redevelopment and Economic Development Programs Bonding Proposal

Proposal S - City of Detroit Public Safety Improvements Bonding Proposal

Proposal L - City of Detroit Public Lighting Service Bonding Proposal

Proposal M - City of Detroit Municipal Facilities Bonding Proposal

Proposal C - City of Detroit Museums, Libraries, and Recreation and Other Cultural Facilities Bonding Proposal

Proposal T - City of Detroit Transportation Facilities Bonding Proposal

Remember, vote because it is not only our right, but it is the right thing to do!

If you are not certain where to vote or need additional information regarding the Special Primary Election, or need further information on what the proposal entails, please contact the Registration Division of the Department of Elections at (313)876-0190. Polls open at 7:30 a.m and close at 8:00 p.m.

Best Wishes!
Gwen Gonzalez - Precinct Delegate for District 5
Candidate for Detroit City Council

The First Detroit Mayoral Debate

Detroit had its first Mayoral Debate on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 on WADL Channel 38. Three of fourteen candidates discussed issues from public safety to the massive deficit and took hard blows from their opponents as each expressed their views as to who would be the best leader for the job.

The 90-minute session featured businessman and former basketball pro, Dave Bing; former Detroit City Council President and current Interim Mayor, Ken Cockrel Jr., and former deputy mayor - under the former Mayor Dennis Archer, Freman Hendrix.

Although two of the three candidates have held political positions in public office, I am still concerned with just how much business experience the two can contribute to such a large enterprise as the City of Detroit. For example, take Dave Bing, 64 - he is the owner of a very successful manufacturing company - The Bing Group, which employs over 500 employees. His intellect in building such a large conglomerate has proven that he has the business expertise to get our city out of such a financial strain by building partnerships with other businesses in order to bring jobs back to the City. He can also use our established resources; such as, our access to exporting and importing products globally - to implement free trade marketing, which will increase revenue for the City of Detroit. Dave Bing can also utilize his business expertise in attracting entertainment venues - giving citizens a reason to retain their residence; as well as, give those that left - a reason to return back to the City of Detroit.

Now, this is just a few of many issues that needs to be considered in order to revitalize our City, not to mention; public safety, education and the deficit. I don't want to speak too far in advance because we still have eleven other mayoral candidates to preview before making our final selection at the primary - slated for February 25, 2009.

WADL Channel 38 will broadcast three more debates in randomly selected groups of four beginning Jan. 6, Jan. 27 and Feb 17, 2009. Please tune in and listen to all 14 candidates before making your final selection at the polls of whom you will select to be your next Mayor for the City of Detroit.

We would love to hear from you; your feedback is very important.

My Regards,
Gwen Gonzalez
Proposed Candidate
for Detroit City Council