Detroitnews.com
Detroit — Half of the eight mayoral hopefuls on Detroit’s primary ballot next week have been convicted of felony crimes involving drugs, assault or weapons, a Detroit News analysis shows.
Three were charged with gun crimes and two for assault with intent to commit murder. Some of the offenses date back decades, the earliest to 1977. The most recent was in 2008.
Political consultant Greg Bowens said there are candidates with past hardships in every election cycle. It’s not something unique to Detroit or the political arena in general, he said.
“Black marks on your record show you have lived a little and have overcome some challenges,” said Bowens, a former press secretary to Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer and NAACP activist. “They (candidates) deserve the opportunity to be heard, but they also deserve to have the kind of scrutiny that comes along with trying to get an important elected position.”
Tuesday’s Detroit mayoral primary election is the first since the city exited bankruptcy in 2014. The field of eight will be narrowed to two who will face off in the fall.
Under state election law, convicted felons can vote and run for office as long as they are not incarcerated or guilty of certain fraud-related offenses, or crimes involving a breach of the public trust. The Detroit News reviewed the backgrounds of all the mayoral contenders.
While some refute circumstances that led to their criminal convictions, three said their past is a motivating factor in their decisions to run.
The two who have polled ahead of the field, incumbent Mayor Mike Duggan and state Sen. Coleman A. Young II, the son of the city’s first black mayor, have no criminal records. Nor do candidates Edward Dean and Angelo Brown.
First-time contender Donna Marie Pitts, 58, has multiple felony convictions dating back to 1977, according to court records in Wayne and Oakland counties.
Although she denies wrongdoing in the past cases against her, Pitts is open about her convictions.
Pitts, who says she has a business management degree and experience in carpentry, told The News she wants a “better way of life” for Detroiters.
“I don’t hide it. God has brought me out,” said Pitts, who wants to improve health care services, and tackle crime and work on rebuilding the community. “I hope (voters) don’t look at it as negative but as my experience, and I can help. I want to fight for them.”
Shootout over disputed bill
In 1977, Pitts was convicted of receiving and concealing a stolen 1977 Oldsmobile. She was sentenced to a year of probation.
A decade later, she was charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder and two firearm offenses in connection with two separate shooting incidents on March 24, 1987, Detroit Recorder’s Court records say. more
Most people like to feel the cream rises to the top. in this case, it’s a layer of scum that formed.
I’m guessing, are they all naggers?
Holy Excrement! Convicted felons on the ballot? Some convicted for assault with the intent to commit MURDER? They must be Democrats.
One would think the late night “comics” would have field day with this. What do you want to bet not a single word? I would not know because I don’t watch TV anymore.
It’s a shame, Detroit once a thriving and beautiful city until the phucking democrats started knawing away at it.
Why is this news? I thought being a felon was a requirement for living in Detroit besides at least half of the major presidential candidates last year were felons just not convicted
Is Jerry Springer going to host the debate ? This could be fun.
Donna Marie Pitts …. you are the father !!
Only a democrat could pull that off.
“I have overcome the challenges that come along with having murdered someone… now vote for me !!”
Well, at least they won’t be voting. They can run for office, but they can’t vote. Makes perfect sense.
“Lived a Little”? wtf?
I call bullshit. I can’t believe they actually found 4 people in Detroit WITHOUT a felony conviction.
Soledad O’brien had her show on Sunday about the struggles of Detroit.
Conclusion?
Racism…whitey’s fault.
Seriously!
I was laughing out loud!
Ha! Only half are felons?? Maybe things are getting better than I thought.
All politicians have to have a connection with their constituency.
I suspect the four felons will do well in the Detroit election.
Well, it’s not like felons haven’t been running it already….
Why is no one saying “Detroit’s return to glory days is just around the corner?”
I meant demorats gnawing away, not knawing away. MAGA and Phuck the begrudgers.
Felons Who Have Reformed, Can Be a Good Influence on Kids and People in General… As a Speaker For an Hour at Middle School. A Mayor Needs to Show How Far You Can Rise as a Person, Not how To Come Back From Failure !!!
RAAAAYYYYYYYYCISSSSSSSSSS!
Do they get to keep their EBT cards though?
if history is any indicator these candidates are prequalified for Detroit politics.
If it’s only half, they should double check that list.
Are you sure it’s only half?
I’m sure they have the Clinton stamp of approval.