Candidate Profile: Janeé Ayers, Detroit City Council At-Large

DETROIT — There are two seats open for Detroit City Council Member at-Large in November's general elections.

To help readers make informed choices, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Janeé Ayers is a Democrat running for Detroit City Council At-Large.

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Age (as of Election Day)

40

Position Sought

Detroit City Council Member at-Large

Party Affiliation

Democratic Party

Family

n/a

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

Bowling Green University

Occupation

City Council Member

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

City Council Member At-Large

Campaign website

www.janeeayers.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

As a lifelong Detroiter, this City is an integral part of who I am. In my At Large position, I represent every district and it is my mission to build a better city for ALL Detroiters. My background as a labor organizer and DPS educator taught me how to always fight for the most vulnerable in our city and ensure that all of us have access to jobs and opportunity. Growing up seeing my father go in and out of prison taught me how much that access can change the direction of someone’s life. That’s why I founded the Returning Citizens Task Force, to ensure that people coming out of incarceration have access to jobs, training and housing so they don’t return to a life of crime. It’s why I work to improve and spread awareness of resources for skilled trades training or small businesses. As Chair of the Budget, Finance & Audit and Public Health & Safety committees, I have been committed to a financially strong, safe and vibrant Detroit and worked to ensure that through pragmatic leadership.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The next four years are crucial to the financial health of the City. Bankruptcy allowed us to pause some of our financial obligations, particularly our pension obligations. The City’s plan of adjustment created in the bankruptcy process requires us to start making significantly higher contributions to the City’s two pension systems over the next few years. Because of this, financial responsibility and management will be one of my top priorities for this next term.

Every year since I’ve been in office, Council and the administration have worked together to maintain a balanced budget and set aside funds to help offset pension payments in the future. If we maintain this course, Detroit will be able to meet its obligations. When it comes time for Council to amend the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the fact that we have these payments coming up in 2024 is always at the forefront of my mind. I’ve returned $742,555 from my office budget since 2015, and made tough decisions to hold back on spending additional funds on projects and issues that are near and dear to my heart because I know that the future of our city depends on being fiscally responsible during times when it seems like we’re flush with funds. I will maintain the level of fiscal prudence that I’ve always had unless and until the City is able to comfortably meet its future pension obligations.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Experience.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The Duggan administration and Detroit City Council took fast action with the global pandemic. We prioritized the data and recommendations from key health personnel to prioritize the safety of residents. We worked fervently with stakeholders to ensure Detroiters had the resources they needed. That is why despite Detroit being hit the hardest, we were able to combat the virus and at times produce better case numbers when compared to the state as a whole. The City took aggressive action to ensure residents had access testing and vaccinations. Detroit was the first testing site to test without a prescription. As someone who volunteered at the State Fairgrounds everyday, I witnessed first hand the incredible efforts of the administration to provide health professionals staffing and services to residents. Throughout the pandemic, the City prioritized providing up-to-date data regarding case management and our progress. A criticism I have in all levels of government is the inadequate outreach to residents regarding education on the vaccine.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Climate Change: Globally, climate change is driven by high carbon emissions. The extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps heat through the Greenhouse effect, raising global temperature levels. This rise in temperature melts polar ice caps and leads to higher sea levels, greater rainfall, and extreme storm patterns.

Detroit is most vulnerable to extreme storm patterns. Neighborhoods such as Jefferson Chalmers are already experiencing the effects of climate change. Heavy rainfall can leave the neighborhood flooded for weeks.

Flooding and sewage backup put Detroiters at dangerous health risks. A combined storm and sewage system mean human waste can be discharged when the system reaches capacity. Detroiters have reported experiencing the spread of infection, disease, black mold, worsened asthma, and degraded mental health, among other concerns. Areas along the coast of the Detroit River are at the greatest risk for these challenges.

We can improve its resilience against extreme weather through capital improvements to its sewer system. DWSD has invested $20 million into relining sewer pipes and plans to do capital improvements at the Connor Creek Combined Sewer Outflow facility. According to the Fiscal Year 2020-2024 Proposed Capital Improvement Plan, the City of Detroit is scheduled to invest $128.5 million in sewer replacement/renewal. However, there is no indication whether this will simply maintain the capacity of the system or improve as needed. The City has also invested in green infrastructure as a way to improve resilience to severe weather patterns, by using open green space to absorb stormwater. Lastly, home repair loans should be given to homeowners within flood zones for preventative measures.

In the long term. We should look to cut its carbon emissions. The biggest driver of carbon emissions is transportation. By investing in more efficient forms of transportation such as public transit and electric vehicles, we can reduce our city’s carbon footprint. Most importantly, it is essential for our city to plant trees. Trees change carbon dioxide into oxygen and have immense health benefits for people. Detroit needs to become a more eco-friendly city. I will fight to make sure that American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure bill funding are guided towards these projects, and that Detroiters are first in line for the Green Jobs that these bills will create Jobs & Economic Opportunity.

If the revitalization of Detroit does not work to include all of our citizens who want to find meaningful and sustainable employment, then our promise of “rebirth” is hollow and we have failed. Our economic development must be within a framework of inclusion for all Detroiters. We must reform the bid and contracting process so that Detroit-based and minority businesses that employ have a competitive advantage.
I support:

• A $15 minimum wage.
• Unions and the right to organize.
• Hiring public workers to improve city services.
• Partnering with companies to increase job prospects for Detroiters.
• Creating opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.

Investing in our neighborhoods is the best way to improve the quality of life for everyday Detroiters. Our neighborhoods provide a unique sense of space, community and belonging. We should be proud that investment in Detroit’s downtown is at a record high, but we must put the same energy and resources into our neighborhoods. Our success in revitalization will be measured by whether every neighborhood, from Morningside to Warrendale to DelRay to Green Acres, is a safe, clean, vibrant place to live and raise a family. As Chair of the Public Health and Safety Committee, I have made your quality of life a priority. I’ve worked to secure funding to renovate over 40 neighborhood parks. I’ve also worked to keep major project developers responsive to neighborhood concerns like the need for green space, job training, neighborhood cleanup, and boarding of abandoned homes.

I support:

• Protecting residents from unjust water shut offs.
• Property tax discounts for seniors.
• Revitalization of parks and green spaces.
• Community centers with youth-centered programming.
• Eviction defense and rental assistance.
• Aid for small-business owners that serve our communities.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I've been a Council Member six years in that time we passed 6 balanced budgets. I've passed many ordinances including the Fair Chance Housing ordnance and passed a resolution declaring Racism a Public Health Crisis.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen