Economic growth and how to achieve it are at the top of the platform for most candidates running for government office — whether it be for local, state, or national seats of representation. Regional economic catalyst Southwest Michigan First reached out to the 2023 candidates running for office to get their take on growing the economy. So far, we’ve shared the answers to those who responded to our questions (in alphabetical order by last name) in part 1, part 2, part 3, and part 4.
To wrap up this series, we’ll take a closer look at the four remaining candidates who responded to our questionnaire:
- Shaquille Turner – City of Benton Harbor Commissioner at Large
- SaTanna (Tanna) Warren – City of Benton Harbor Commissioner – Ward 2
- Alonzo Wilson II – City of Kalamazoo Commissioner
- Jihan Ain Young – City of Portage Councilmember
Shaquille Turner
Position Seeking: Commissioner at Large
District Position Represents: City of Benton Harbor
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
Over the past years, I have been following very close to the City Of Benton Harbor leadership (which has failed the people). I have read the entire city charter, city ordinance, and the city master plan. I have been very strong on illegal dumping, finding real solutions to decrease violence, address affordable housing, etc.
What is your motivation for running for office?
Helping to solve the issues within our community that are going unnoticed. Being able to work hand-in-hand with the people of Benton Harbor.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
Knowing the needs of the residents of Benton Harbor. Understanding the city charter and understanding how to write motions. Learning to build relationships with other local governments, state, and federal. Finding REAL solutions to everyday problems that residents are having. Address violence, job crisis, and etc.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
Working with the other commissioners, residents, and staff of the city. I will also include working with state and federal leaders.
At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to the economic needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?
Most definitely! I believe it’s very important to increase the growth in the job market within Southwest Michigan with responsible policy.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
No answer provided.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
Having respect for one another. Working in unity. Understanding what’s before us. Understanding that it’s not about our own gain, but about the people we serve. Value each other’s opinion.
What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?
Not engaging with the community. Not listening to the concerns of the residents. Getting out within their community. Understanding what’s at stake. Not doing their own research.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
Meet with my constituents monthly through social media. Meeting with them during different events within the community as well before/ after commission meetings.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
It’s in God’s hands. Long term success helping the American people. I would not sell myself short. I would say US President Of The United States Of America.
Campaign Song: Walkthrough by: Myles Yachts
Favorite Movie: Major Payne
Favorite Book: The Bible & Bishop TD Jakes Books
Favorite Food: Soul Food
SaTanna (Tanna) Warren
Position Seeking: Commissioner – Ward 2
District Position Represents: City of Benton Harbor
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
I currently service as a citizen representative on the legislative committee. I am also the current treasurer on the Brownfield Authority Board.
What is your motivation for running for office?
I have always wanted to help the community. I began by founding Life Changes charity. I would like to make a larger impact on the community, which is why I am running for office.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
My top priorities include: increase housing, job training/creation, reduction of crime, homeownership, and the beautification of Ward 2.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
Benton Harbor is on the move. I believe that developers will continue to want to invest in the community in the form of jobs and housing. I also believe that the residents of the great city of Benton Harbor will continue to want to invest in themselves and this will help with the goals of beautification of the area, Neighborhood Watch programs, and the motivation to take advantage of training programs.
At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to the economic needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?
Absolutely! I currently work in workforce development. Our program starts with middle school students. I feel that workforce development is a key ingredient to a successful future.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
The goal is to increase the number of workforce opportunities for the city’s residents.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
There is an adage that says “no one is smarter than all of us”. We all need to work together to bring diverse ideas and solutions to the table.
What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?
One of the biggest challenges that I feel as though elected officials make is acting based on their own personal experiences. Politicians represent the people. Their job is to work with the community to learn what the issues that everyday people face and address them accordingly.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
I attend community events; I plan to host an event next month. I also live, work, go to the doctor ,and shop in the community. I interact with the residents daily. I know many residents from growing up in the area.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
I am not sure what my long-term career goals are at the moment. Right now, I want to focus on getting elected and being the best commissioner that I can be.
Campaign Song: I like the song “One Love” since it makes me think about everyone working together for the same common goal!
Favorite Movie: Lean On Me
Favorite Book: Rich Dad Poor Dad & Freakonomics
Favorite Food: Soul Food
Alonzo Wilson II
Position Seeking: Commissioner
District Position Represents: City of Kalamazoo
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
I’m a member of Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo organizing committee, developing the deeper systemic changes necessary to shift community conditions. My bachelor of science degree in industrial and operations engineering provides me with the ability to critically think and develop solutions. As a project controls specialist, I am responsible for managing budgets for commercial construction projects which will translate well to making budget decisions for the city.
What is your motivation for running for office?
I believe that stability at home is the foundation required for any individual to be successful in this world. Every family deserves an equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of their socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. My mission is to ensure that every family in our community prospers in life.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
Education, affordable and accessible healthcare, economy/job growth
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
I will support initiatives that provide budget allocation for the following: 1) Education: recruitment and retention of top leaders, college preparedness for students, STEM focused development, and student safety, 2) Healthcare: affordable healthcare and increased mental health resource availability, and 3) Economy/job growth: career development opportunities and competitive wages/salaries.
At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to the economic needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?
Absolutely! Now more than ever, these issues need to be addressed to protect jobs, save small businesses, and rebuild our economy. I support initiatives that provide support for those interested in advancing their skillsets and advancement in their respective fields. To meet this demand for economic development, there needs to be a focus on growing talent locally.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
My election will create opportunities for Southwest Michigan’s workforce to develop and grow their skillsets, strengthening the performance of our local companies. Currently there is a shortage of skilled workers in the market, which is devastating small businesses.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
By fostering a safe space for diversity of thoughts and opinions. Representation matters and for meaningful progress to be made, not only should members from all communities be involved in these discussions, but they should also feel like their ideas are being respected and valued.
What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?
Elected officials could address issues of DEI by getting folks from diverse backgrounds involved in the decision-making process at all levels. Not only should they be working with the community at the ground level, but they should hire senior advisors/executives to translate the communities needs into actionable legislation. The biggest challenge is that there is a disconnect between most elected officials and their ability to comprehend the issues plaguing these communities as they are often unable to relate.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
Collaboration is the key to making substantial progress as a society. I plan on interacting directly with constituents via email and phone daily. I will also regularly meet with representatives from each neighborhood/community to understand current issues and develop feasible solutions.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
My long-term political goals are focused locally on my hometown of Kalamazoo. By the end of my career, I hope to improve Kalamazoo’s overall quality of living for all of members of the community. This includes a thriving economy with plenty of career opportunities, significantly less people living in poverty/homeless, accessible healthcare, and advanced higher education opportunities for all.
Campaign Song: Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Childish Gambino – Mood 4 Eva
Favorite Movie: Inception
Favorite Book: Strong Towns by Charles L. Marohn Jr.
Favorite Food: Sushi
Jihan Ain Young
Position Seeking: Councilmember
District Position Represents: City of Portage
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position? University of Michigan Alumnus, Financial Career – JPMorgan Chase and PNC Bank, City of Portage Human Services Board – Vice Chair, Kalamazoo Civic Theatre Board of Directors, State of Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council – Parent Alternate, Kalamazoo County Local Interagency Coordinating Council – Parent Representative, Kalamazoo (MI) Chapter of the Links, Inc. – Ethics and Standards Chair
What is your motivation for running for office?
Giving back to the community is my passion. Serving on boards has given me insight into how government, citizens and nonprofits are each contributing their part to our community. I want to be a part of that. With my skill set, determination, and compassion we can help our community to thrive and make it a beautiful place to live.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
Government Outreach – Improving communication between citizens and City Council. Collaboration – Improving communication amongst City Council and its respective boards/commissions. Housing – Availability, Affordability, and Renter Protections.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
Government Outreach – helping to create a “Citizen guide to City Council.” Collaboration – meeting with city board and commission chairs/vice chairs and City Council. Housing – A program initiative to educate area citizens of the benefit and necessity of affordable family housing. Affordability leads to availability and in turn can initiate discussions about rental protections
At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to the economic needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?
Yes, I look forward to learning more about how we can work collaboratively to achieve economic prosperity for Portage and our surrounding communities.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
As a member of Portage City Council, I would work with my fellow council members and Mayor in alignment to foster open lines of communication. By continuing to encourage expansion and growth within our Portage community and in partnership with those in outlying communities we all thrive.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
Elected officials must believe in meaningful progress and model the standards they set. Community feedback creates a collaborative relationship in which citizens and government hold each other accountable.
What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?
The opportunity is setting a tone, vision, and mission for the various sectors of government. The challenge is achieving consensus and implementation.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
In-person chats (monthly); staying after meetings; attending City of Portage events; staying connected via social media-Facebook and website
What are your long-term political/career goals?
Currently my career goal is serving the City of Portage as an elected official on City Council. I look forward to the opportunity to serve my community.
Campaign Song: Optimistic by Sounds of Blackness
Favorite Movie: Gladiator
Favorite Book: The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
Favorite Food: Nachos
