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Criminal justice a central issue in Wayne County state House primaries

LANSING -- The ongoing fallout from the police killing of a Black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis on Memorial Day, is being reflected in campaigns for Michigan's state House ahead of the Aug. 4 primary.

Criminal justice reform is a prominent theme for many candidates. And a past run-in with the law or stint in prison is in many cases now a campaign talking point, more than a subject to be obscured or minimized.

"The voters and citizens are a lot more forgiving of people's past issues as it relates to their problems with the jail system," said Mario Morrow, a Detroit-area political consultant.

"People who have past criminal convictions and issues with the jail system now feel a lot more comfortable and don't shy away from talking about it. They can explain what happened and how they have adjusted."

The heightened emphasis on criminal justice issues is evident in Wayne County House primary races such as the 10th House District, where one candidate has worked to change the system after serving eight years for drug trafficking, a second said a drunk driving charge changed the course of her life, a third said he was inspired to run after being tackled by Detroit police while crossing the street in Greektown, and a fourth traces her political engagement to the unsolved killing of her adopted son 11 years ago.

Here's a look at four competitive Wayne County races in districts that include territory beyond the boundaries of Detroit.

10th House District

State Rep. Leslie Love, D-Detroit, can't run again because of term limits, in this solidly Democratic district that takes in Redford Township and part of northwest Detroit. Eight Democrats are competing for the nomination to replace her.

Among them is Kevin Harris, a Redford Township Democrat who is endorsed by AFSCME and the AFL-CIO, and said he represents where "the rubber meets the road" between the worlds of politics and advocacy.

The senior pastor at Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit worked as a legislative aide to Love. Harris, 49, is a former director of the Nation Outside who has worked with other groups advocating criminal justice reform and an end to the school-to-prison pipeline, after serving an eight-year prison sentence.

"Like tens of thousands of young Black men, I grew up in neighborhoods flooded with guns, drugs, crime and corrupt cops," said Harris, who would like to open the Michigan Department of Corrections to more programs and meetings run by community groups and leaders.

Also winning significant endorsements -- including the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Teamsters and Laborers unions -- is Redford Township Democrat Mary Cavanagh, who is campaigning on improved health care and safe, affordable drinking water; school funding; and job creation and security.

Cavanagh, 29, the daughter of former state Rep. Phil Cavanagh, was also a candidate in 2016 and is director of project development for New Start Construction, a company that works with community groups to rehabilitate abandoned homes for the disadvantaged.

More: Open state House seats bring competitive primary races to Oakland County

"Everyone has the right to all of the same basic needs regardless of where you live when it comes to jobs, health care, water, and all basic human rights," said Cavanagh, who in response to a Free Press questionnaire described her 2015 drunk driving charge as a wake-up call that led her to a brighter future.

A third Redford Township Democrat, Diajah Ruffin, said she is running to advocate for the community and spur change.

The Democratic treasurer for the 13th Congressional District, Ruffin, 25, is a community organizer who has worked in the Legislature and has been working for Amazon during the pandemic. She is concerned about police brutality, racial disparities, and education.

Ruffin, who grew up in Detroit and is a founding member of the nonpartisan group, Black Women in Michigan Politics, said she will "advocate tooth-and-nail for equality under the Constitution."

Steele Hughes, a Detroit Democrat, said he was spurred to run by an incident in which he said he was grabbed, thrown to the ground and arrested while crossing the street in Greektown three years ago, spending three days in jail.

"I saw how easy it is for there to be a false narrative," said Hughes, who later had all charges against him -- which included assaulting/resisting police -- dropped, and said he also beat his jaywalking ticket when police did not show up to testify.

Hughes, 30, a former consultant for Quicken Loans, is a "restorative practitioner" at a Detroit high school, meaning he handles conflict resolution and discipline.

Criminal justice issues also inspired Democratic candidate Brenda Hill of Detroit. Her nephew and adopted son, Brandan Rogers, 22, and his friend Melynda Goodwin, 19, were shot to death in 2009 in a reported carjacking that remains unsolved.

"They were two college students -- they didn't even have traffic tickets," said Hill, who has since worked with a range of groups, including Mothers of Murdered Children, the Detroit Coalition for Peace, and Dignity for Detroit. "Nobody cared."

Hill, 56, who works for a nonprofit that advocates for low-wage and tipped workers, said she is concerned about the large number of "mom and pop" retail outlets that may never recover from the pandemic and wants to turn the district into an incubator for entrepreneurs and new businesses.

Marcus Avery Cummings, a Detroit Democrat, is concerned about public pensions. He said tax increases and consolidation of school districts are two issues that need to be part of the conversation.

A community organizer, Cummings, 32, now works in security and has worked for former Detroit City Councilwoman Saunteel Jenkins and the Red Cross, as well as on several campaigns.

"I saw the field, and honestly, I don't think they can be as effective as we need right now," Cummings said.

Tyson Kelley, a Detroit Democrat, said he wants the opportunity to influence laws related to housing and home ownership, while making sure seniors have access to the help they need.

A church pastor and Realtor who also was a candidate in the 2018 election, Kelley, 46, said the coronavirus pandemic and his wife's recent surgery have restricted his ability to campaign.

"I'm trying to follow the governor's orders," he said. "I want to help to shape lives and be able to influence the direction of the state."

Also running is Valli Smith, a Detroit Democrat and social worker who could not be reached for comment.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Cathy Alcorn, who also could not be reached for comment.

2nd House District

Detroit Democrat Taylor Harrell is challenging state Rep. Joe Tate, D-Detroit, in this solidly Democratic district that includes the cities of Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms and Grosse Pointe Park, plus part of northeast Detroit.

Tate, 39, who is seeking a second term, has the endorsement of most business and labor groups. He said he's sponsored bills that have become law, including one that taxed online sales to increase school funding. But he said the relationships he has built in his first term -- including ones across the aisle -- are his biggest strength.

A member of the House Appropriations Committee, Tate, a former Marine and NFL football player, said his priorities for a second term include improving funding for early childhood education and protecting properties threatened by high water levels.

"The region has experienced an exciting economic recovery since the 2008 downturn, but we must remain mindful that many citizens have not yet realized the benefits of this recovery," Tate said.

More: Several state House lawmakers face primary challenges in Macomb County

Harrell, 27, who has worked in the Legislature and Congress and is political director for the group Mothering Justice, said of Tate: "Our political priorities are different."

But Harrell would not otherwise critique Tate's performance, saying both candidates pride themselves on taking part in one of the cleanest political contests in the state.

The 2019 auto insurance legislation may offer some rate relief for Detroit residents, but it does not end redlining, she said "Our priorities should be people before profit," Harrell said.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Mayra Rodriguez of Grosse Pointe Farms in the General Election. Rodriguez, an attorney, could not be reached for comment.

13th House District

State Rep. Frank Liberati, D-Allen Park, can't run again because of term limits in this strangely shaped and heavily Democratic district that takes in Allen Park, Southgate, and parts of Dearborn Heights. Three Democrats are on the ballot to succeed Liberati.

Democrat Bill Colovos, an attorney and member of the Southgate City Council who formerly served on the school board, said he wants to improve state revenue sharing with local governments, among other issues.

Under the administration of former Gov. Rick Snyder, large chunks of state funding were made conditional on changes such as consolidation of services with neighboring municipalties, he said.

"I'm not so big on consolidation," due to a loss of identity and control, Colovos, 60, said. Southgate now shares its emergency dispatch with neighboring municipalities, where those taking the calls "might not know the streets like the local ones did," he said.

Liberati's brother Tullio, also of Allen Park, is running and enjoys a name recognition advantage.

"I'm pretty proud of what my brother has done," said Tulllio Liberati, Jr., 52, who heads a family construction company,

Liberati said he is not a fan of charter schools and wants to improve funding for traditional public education. He also wants to put more money into job training, which he said will be recouped through more jobs, generating more taxes.

Free Press Primary Voter GuideThe Free Press asked candidates up and down the ballot for their positions on a host of issues. Enter your address to see what the candidates on your Aug. 4 ballot had to say. Because the districts that these candidates run in can be very specific, you will only see an accurate ballot if you enter your full address. Your information, address and e-mail address if you enter one, will not be shared.

Also running is Democrat Timothy Estheimer, 51, of Allen Park.

Estheimer could not be reached for comment, but he said in response to a Free Press editorial board questionnaire that he is a Southgate school board member who owns a pizza shop in Allen Park.

Estheimer said in response to the questionnaire he wants lower insurance premiums without loss of benefits, less expensive education, and better roads.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Megan Frump, of Southgate, who did not respond to messages.

21st House District

Rep. Kristy Pagan, D-Canton Township, can't run again in what has become an increasingly solid Democratic district in recent years. It takes in Belleville and parts of Canton and Van Buren Townships. The race has drawn two Democratic and four Republican candidates.

Pagan has endorsed Ranjeev Puri, a Canton Township Democrat who says there's been too little investment in education and all children must be ensured a strong public education, regardless of where in Michigan they are born.

Puri, 36, works in business development for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and has also picked up significant endorsements from business and labor groups.

"We are running in one of the most rapidly diversifying districts in the entire state," said Puri, the son of immigrants. "I would be the first person of color to come out of here," and be elected to the Legislature.

Ethan Petzold, a Canton Democrat, said he struggled in elementary school but found teachers who took the time to help him succeed. He has gone on to lead youth Democratic groups and manage a 2018 state House campaign, though he is only 22.

"We need people who will champion the cause of more support for teachers and public education," Petzold said.

"My biggest asset is that I started getting involved in the local community when I was 14 years old," said Petzold, a recent graduate of Central Michigan University who has worked as a substitute teacher in western Wayne County schools.

On the Republican side, Canton resident Laurel Hess said she was considering running for the state House in January, but became more determined to do so as a result of frustrations over how Michigan's elected officials have handled the coronavirus pandemic and its aftermath.

Hess, 52, opposes abortion rights but said she considers herself a fiscally conservative but socially moderate Republican who supports gay marriage and Black Lives Matter. She said she's concerned about the performance of programs to assist the unemployed and small businesses and wants more investment in technology and education.

"If you don't like what's happening, you should stand up," she said.

Also seeking the Republican nomination is Jim Nangle, of Canton, a retired Ford UAW worker who is conservative and pro-Trump.

"I think we've been way too far left in this state," said Nangle, who is unhappy with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Her mandates are not law," said Nangle. "I'm a conservative who doesn't like the way this state is going. I'm not a politician."

Republican candidates James Forrest Chapman and Jessica Sohoza of Van Buren Township, could not be reached for comment. Republican candidate Harold Bullock, also of Van Buren Township, was contacted twice but said he was too busy to speak both times.

2nd House District

Name: Taylor Harrell

Residence: Detroit

Party: Democrat

Age: 27

Occupation: Political director for a nonprofit organization

Education: Studied political science and international relations, Bowling Green University.

Family: Single, no children.

Website: www.votetaylorharrell.com

Name: Joe Tate

Residence: Detroit

Party: Democrat

Age: 39

Occupation: State representative

Education: Bachelor of Arts in public policy, MSU; Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in environmental policy, U-M.

Family: Single, no children.

Website: www.tateformichigan.com

10th House District

Name: Mary Cavanagh

Residence: Redford Township

Party: Democrat

Age: 29

Occupation: Director of project development, New Start Construction.

Education: Completing bachelor's degree in anthropology, Wayne State University.

Family: Single, no children.

Website: maryformichigan.com

Name: Marcus Avery Cummings

Residence: Detroit

Party: Democrat

Age: 32

Occupation: Works for a security firm.

Education: Bachelor's degree in political science, Wayne State University.

Family: Single, one son.

Website: None.

Name: Kevin Harris

Residence: Redford Township

Party: Democrat

Age: 49

Occupation: Senior pastor, Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church

Education: Mumford High School, associate's degree in paralegal studies, Academy of Court Reporting.

Family: Married, two children.

Website: www.kevinharris2020.com

Name: Brenda Hill

Residence: Detroit

Age: 56

Occupation: Works for a nonprofit that advocates for low-wage and tipped workers.

Education: Graduated Southeastern High School, studied psychology and biology at MSU, political science at Wayne State University.

Family: Single, one daughter.

Website: www.electbrendahill.com

Name: Steele Hughes

Residence: Detroit

Party: Democrat

Age: 30

Occupation: High school restorative practitioner

Education: Bachelor's degrees in business administration, entertainment promotion and management, and creative fashion, Northwood University.

Family: Married, no children.

Website: www.steelephughes10.com

Name: Tyson Kelley

Residence: Detroit

Party: Democrat

Age: 46

Occupation: Pastor, Grace CME Church, Detroit.

Education: Associate's degree in applied science, electronics, and bachelor's in tecnical management, DeVry University.

Family: Married, two children.

Website: None.

Name: Diajah Ruffin

Residence: Redford Township

Party: Democrat

Age: 25

Occupation: Team leader, Amazon, community organizer.

Education: Bachelor's in communications and Spanish, Western Michigan University.

Family: Single, no children.

Website: www.diajahruffin.com

13th House District

Name: Bill Colovos

Residence: Southgate

Party: Democrat

Age: 60

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Bachelor of Science, Wayne State University; law degree, Cooley Law School.

Family: Married, two children.

Website: None.

Name: Timothy Estheimer

Residence: Allen Park

Party: Democrat

Age: 51

Occupation: Restaurant owner

Education: Graduated Melvindale High School, attended community college in California.

Family: Married, two children.

Website: None

Name: Tullio Liberati, Jr.

Residence: Allen Park

Party: Democrat

Age: 52

Occupation: President, Liberati & Sons Construction

Education: Studied biology, Wayne State University.

Family: Married, two children.

Website: None.

21st House District

Name: Laurel Hess

Residence: Canton Township

Party: Republican

Age: 52

Occupation: Owner, Jungle Java.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, U-M; teaching certificate, Schoolcraft College.

Family: Married, two children.

Website: www.electlaurelhess.com

Name: Jim Nangle

Residence: Canton Township

Party: Republican

Age: 69

Occupation: Retired Ford worker.

Education: Graduated Edsel Ford High School, studied science at Henry Ford Community College and Northern Michigan University.

Family: married, three children.

Website: None.

Name: Ethan Petzold

Residence: Canton Township

Party: Democrat

Age: 22

Occupation: Teacher

Education: Bachelor's degree, public and nonprofit administration and political science,Central Michigan University.

Family: Single, no children.

Website: www.ethanpetzold.com

Name: Ranjeev Puri

Residence: Canton Township

Party: Democrat

Age: 36

Occupation: Works in business development, Fiat Chrysler

Education: Bachelor's degree in economics, Ohio State University, Master's of Business Administration, University of Chicago.

Family: Married, two children.

Website: www.voteranjeev.com

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @paulegan4. Read more on Michigan politics and sign up for our elections newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Criminal justice a central issue in Wayne County state House primaries

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