Sharon Grier

 Jenean Bryant
As the Primary Election on Aug. 5 approaches, new faces are emerging to break into politics. Some of the candidates have a background business while others have been making inroads in their respective parties or on a grassroots level for a number of years. With a city mired in a scandal among its current political leaders – the mayor and city council, many of the candidates claim they can do more for Detroit.

Among the issues on their platform are improving education while providing additional funding for the school system; job creation and economic development.

Some of the new faces include Jenean Bryant who is running for State Representative for District 11. Bryant, who has been politically active with the Young Democratic party, worked with Wayne County Commissioner Alisha Bell.

Sharon Grier is a candidate for Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court Judge. Grier holds a Bachelors degree from the University of Michigan Dearborn and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit School of Law. She has more than 21 years of legal service, having practiced civil and criminal law in Wayne County.

Grier worked as an assistant prosecutor in the Wayne County Prosecutors office for more than 18 years.

Rita Jordan, a State Representative candidate in District 4, has worked in the private sector for many years.

She also managed the largest membership drive for the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Jordan also owns a business where she helps raise and secure funding for non-profit organizations.

As a state representative, she plans to focus on education, reducing foreclosures, increasing employment opportunities and combating insurance redlining.

Mary Sheffield is vying for a State Representative seat in the 7th District. Sheffield, the daughter of activist Horace Sheffield, is one of the youngest contenders in the race.