If our exclusive Channel 7 poll conducted by EPIC-MRA holds up on Election Day, the Detroit City Council won't look the same next year. Gary Brown, Charles Pugh, Saunteel Jenkins, and Lisa Howze have a good shot of being elected to Council for the first time ever. Incumbents Jo Ann Watson and Alberta Tinsley-Talabi are just one point ahead of Andre Spivey, James Tate, Shelley Foy, Fred Elliott Hall, and John Bennett. Couple that with influential endorsements from media, union, civic, and business organizations, and we're watching the most contested City Council race in years.
The big question is this: Will the balance of power on the Detroit City Council shift to newcomers and will a freshman representative become Council president? Our polling shows that Brown and Pugh are clearly challenging current Council president Ken Cockrel for the leadership role which goes to the top vote-getter. News of Pugh's foreclose problems (which were revealed after the poll was conducted) could work against him in the final two weeks of campaigning.
However the votes come in on November 3rd, there's no doubt that Detroiters are aiming to shake-up a governing body they believe has not always represented the Motor City with dignity and the taxpayers' best interests at heart. Get plenty of popcorn. Watching what order the candidates cross the finish line in this race should be a lot of fun!
