Written by Tanya Terry, with photos by Tanya Terry
Featured photo: Last Saturday was not the first mayoral candidate forum 6th Ward Flint City Councilwoman Tonya Burns has participated in this year at the Brennan Senior Center.
A candidate forum for some of the individuals seeking to represent Flint and/or Flint Community Schools was held at the Brennan Senior Center on Saturday, October 3. The event was sponsored by the Concerned Pastors for Social Action, the Flint Branch NAACP, Southside City of Hope and the Woodrow Stanley Black Leaders Forum.
“It is election time,” stated Dr. Karen Weaver, former mayor of Flint, who opened event.
“It’s election time, people,” Weaver restated. “And one of the things we always talk about is the need for an educated and informed community – because an uninformed community is dangerous. That’s dangerous to us.”
After Pastor Alfred Harris, president of Concerned Pastors for Social Action (CPSA) and pastor of Saints of God Church, led the attendees in a prayer, the mayoral candidate forum took place first.
JanMarie Arbor, an active Flint resident living in the 7th Ward who served as moderator, stated there are two candidates for running for Flint mayor, but only one was present. According to event organizers, Mayor Sheldon Neeley, the incumbent running to maintain his position, was invited. But because only 6th Ward Flint City Councilwoman Tonya Burns was present, only Burns answered questions asked by Arbor during the mayoral forum.
Daron Rice and Linda Anthony are also write-in Flint mayoral candidate, as confirmed by the Genesee County Clerk’s Office.
“I’ll begin with introductions of the two candidates on the ballot,” said Arbor.
“Sheldon Neeley has served as mayor of Flint since November 2019. He began his political career in 2005, when he was elected as Flint’s 6th Ward councilman and served for nine years. He is former state representative in Michigan’s 34th House district, having served four years and was succeeded by his wife, Cynthia Neeley, when elected mayor in 2019.
“With the upcoming election, Mr. Neeley is seeking to serve a third term as mayor of Flint.
Arbor continued: “Introducing Tanya Burns. Ms. Burns has served as Flint 6th Ward councilwoman since 2021, where she has become one of the more outspoken and visible members of the Flint City Council.
“She is known for her direct communication style and her willingness to publicly challenge City Hall leadership, including her colleagues, her council colleagues. She has been willing to do likewise whenever she has believed that city government has failed its residents in her capacity as a public official.
“Ms. Burns has been a solid grassroots advocate, using public meetings and community forums, as well as social media to call attention to the growing gun violence in Flint.
“She has repeatedly given voice to the need for a comprehensive public safety plan aimed to reduce the ever-increasing violence she has called for community accountability regarding those issues, as well as other quality of life issues affecting Flint residents, such as stabilizing Flint neighborhoods and a stronger governmental transparency and accountability with Flint residents.”
Burns was asked to assess how the city’s ARPA funds were used, which Burns expressed some disagreement with.
Burns was to speak on her public service record that best demonstrate that you is prepared to lead this city as mayor. Burns said that prior to being elected she worked in economic development. Burns emphasized her focus on making sure residents have a voice. She stated she was proud The Flint City Council voted to approve the $1 million ARPA funding allocation proposed by Neeley, securing local public backing for the Rx Kids program. The program provides financial help for resources for pregnant women and mothers of infants.
She also said that where she lives, on Ballenger, a total of five people have now been run over, with three losing their lives.
“I worked with my colleagues to create an ordinance, which we passed, called Reckless Driving that time,” said Burns.
Burns worked with the council to have $15.6 million go toward the demolition of old buildings, despite her advocating for $20 million to go toward the cause.
Burns said the specific investments or partnerships she would pursue to strengthen Flint neighborhoods include housing, businesses, recreational opportunities and community institutions.
She was also asked to speak on the slogan that appears on her literature “it’s time for a change,” among being asked other questions.
The Flint Community School Board candidate forum followed, with all candidates present except Board President Anna Lissia Padilla citing a scheduling conflict.
