Detroit's District 5 Elects New Representation
City Council President Mary Sheffield is running for Mayor, leaving District 5 open for new representation for the first time in over ten years. The candidates for the seat are District 5 police Commissioner Willie Burton and UAW retiree Renata Miller.
Willie Burton’s Background and Vision
Willie Burton became the youngest police commissioner in the U.S. when he took office in 2014. Prior to his election, he spent two years on the Detroit Public Schools Police and Public Safety Oversight Committee and served as Director of Community Relations for Wayne County Commissioner Martha Scott.
Campaign Priorities
- Improving public transit
- Lowering water rates
- Expanding affordable housing
“Our community has to be educated as well when it comes to crisis intervention training, which is Mental Health First Aid, as well as training our officers,” Burton said. “So we have our officers as trained, which is one thing, but our community has zero training. The business partnerships in the city has zero training.”
Burton emphasizes mental health support as his top concern. He plans to hold a mental health symposium within his first 100 days in office and advocates for a state-of-the-art triage center with more social workers on the ground to address issues like domestic violence and homelessness.
Renata Miller
Renata Miller is a retiree of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and is contesting the District 5 seat against Willie Burton.
Summary: District 5 in Detroit is set for new leadership as Commissioner Willie Burton and UAW retiree Renata Miller vie for the open council seat, with mental health and community training as key campaign themes.