By: Heaster Wheeler
Here we go!! The political bug is contagious and the campaign season is on! Expect these next 2 years to be full of social media posts, emails, speeches, dynamism, promises and debates. A dozen plus people will run for Mayor of Detroit, at least 100 people will run for Council – then we have the Governor and US Senate race in 2026 – but our first question should be – who are you and where have you been? Please show us your track record of service or accomplishment!! Have you helped anybody? Are you a good parent, active on your block club, go to church, any affiliations – sorority or fraternity, brotherhood or sisterly relations. Do you go to meetings, support causes, pay your membership dues, are you currently active in anything??
I love politics (not politricks) and I love politicians but more important I love people who offer themselves up to service in the spirit of the greater good! We can each make a difference. We can help people and we can help build and stabilize our communities. We have to embrace key priorities such as youth, education and seniors, safety, business and opportunities.
Let’s encourage these candidates & would be politicians to know a few things: campaigns require energy, inspiration, resources and lots of time!! Our community deserves enlightenment, insight and commitment! It will help if you are connected to something! Can you commit to thousands of dollars and have you ever raised money? Can you handle feedback and will you concede if you come to realize that you don’t have a pathway to success and victory or this might not be your moment!!
What a great time to be in this moment, endless issues and endless oppportunities to collaborate, communicate and to protest and protect the vulnerable. We know that America was founded and built on protest. The greatness of this country is reflected in our right to protest for rights. Our country will get better thru real and honorable leadership!
Let’s help this next generation of political leaders with our support and wisdom. Encourage them to rise above ego and narcissism. Tell them the most powerful people have never been elected. Remind them that who they are is based on what they do when no one is looking!! It is called ‘character’. They must commit to stay in the game, win or lose. Family, friends and your campaign committee will love you just as much if you decide to postpone your campaign until you are better prepared! Remember people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!!
Heaster Wheeler is a lifelong Detroit resident. He has worked in service, executive and leadership roles at the community, city, county and state government levels.
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Upcoming Eections:
Filing Deadling Primary / General
2025: Detroit Mayor, City Council April 22, 2025 Aug 5 & Nov 4
2026: Governor, US Senate,
State Senate, State House,
Wayne County Executive, Commission
2028: President of the United States
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