by
The WDIV debate Monday night.
Detroit mayoral candidate Saunteel Jenkins, who has been lagging in the polls, took a swing at her opponents Monday night as the debate on WDIV was concluding.
Is that what she needs to do to move up in the polls—to show she's a fighter, someone who can throw a tough jab when needed? Time will tell.
Jenkins, the former Detroit City Council president, shared the stage at Wayne State University's Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center with Council President Mary Sheffield, former Police Chief James Craig, and Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. Other candidates did not make the cut based on certain criteria.
The candidates discussed affordable housing and crime before delivering their closing arguments.
Jenkins didn’t hold back, first taking a shot at Craig, who, while chief, supported citizens carrying guns.
"So the choice is clear: If you want a future that includes more guns in schools and locking up our kids, Craig is your guy." (See video below)
She then turned her attention to Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., who runs a string of churches in Southeast Michigan. Some have expressed concern that he would try to serve as both mayor and pastor simultaneously—something he denies, insisting he would be a full-time mayor.
"If you want a part-time mayor who's working two full-time jobs, Kinloch is ready."
Finally, she took a jab at Sheffield, who has been accused of missing meetings she's expected to attend, something she calls unfair.
"If you want a mayor who shows up on Instagram but doesn’t show up for meetings, then follow Mary."
"The gloves are off now," Craig responded.
Detroit Free Press investigative columnist M.L. Elrick wrote after the debate:
"This match is getting into the late rounds, and while the candidates have thrown jabs at each other, Jenkins was the first to unleash haymakers."
He goes on to say that there are different ways of viewing Jenkins’ aggressive approach, one being:
Jenkins wants to show potential supporters that she’s tough enough to lead our often rough-and-tumble city. She comes by that reputation honestly, having grown up in a blue-collar household that knows all too well how hard our streets can be. Her teenage brother was shot to death for his jacket near their west side home. The killer was never caught.
Many have complained that the race among the nine candidates has been lackluster and flown under most people's radar. The primary is Aug. 5, with the top two vote-getters facing off in November.
