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Topic: Coleman faces Williamson-backed challenger Nelson

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Steve Myers
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A banker backed by Mayor Don Williamson hopes to unseat outspoken Council President Johnnie Coleman in a contest that could help determine the balance of power on the council.

Third ward candidate Kerry Nelson said the focus of the race should be on Coleman - who he criticizes as being foul-mouthed, unethical, greedy and invisible to residents. Coleman counters he has delivered for residents and Nelson has no experience or ideas.

The election is Nov. 8.

Most recently, Coleman has been under fire for anti-gay comments he made to a television station that questioned him about a conflict of interest lawsuit over his employment at Hurley Medical Center, a city-owned hospital.

Coleman also has been criticized for voting to reverse council pay cuts imposed by former emergency financial manager Ed Kurtz. The vote returned about $27,000 in salary and benefits to him and to other members. It has since been the subject of a lawsuit now before the state Court of Appeals.

"The people are tired of it," Nelson said of Coleman's actions. "They are completely turned off by it."

But Coleman, who has been on council since 1998, said while he has made inappropriate comments for which he has apologized, counters Nelson attacks him personally because he has no agenda for fixing city problems. He calls Nelson a hypocrite for not criticizing inappropriate statements made by Williamson, who called council members criminals and said council members are as "about as valuable as puke on a brand-new carpet." He said Nelson would be a "puppet" for the mayor.

"My opponent has no clue how city government works and his agenda will be Don Williamson's agenda and he constantly tells you that,"he said.

Coleman also defended his dual-employment at Hurley, where he recently retired, saying despite conflicting legal opinions no judge has ever ruled it was improper. As for the back pay, he wondered if Nelson would work at his job for free.

But Nelson said he promises to give up a year's salary worth about $22,000 if the city faces a deficit.

"If I am leader, shouldn't I be the first one to step out?" he said.

Nelson also says Coleman's opposition is obstructing city progress and costing taxpayers through his support of lawsuits against Williamson. But Coleman says the council is keeping the mayor from breaking laws and hurting the city.

"It has been a constant tug of war down there," said Nelson, who says he can be independent of the mayor. "... I'm looking at personal vendettas, personal agendas. Who's paying for it all? The taxpayers. " The agenda is about taking care of the people. I'm not going get up there and do any kind of fussing."

Nelson has Williamson's endorsement. The support includes two mobile campaign billboards that have been driving through the city and campaign literature.

But Coleman said he's been effective despite Williamson, learning how to work around the mayor on several fronts to get things done. He also said he's made the tough decision on cuts before the state takeover, he's helped get funding to demolish at least 175 homes in the ward, and helped groups, such as Habitat for Humanity, to build about a dozen new homes in the ward.

"Run on the issues," Coleman said. "Don't run on what you think is popular."

Full Story:
http://www.mlive.com/news/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/news-32/113086205216400.xml&coll=5
Post Tue Nov 01, 2005 9:53 pm 
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Steve Myers
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Johnnie Coleman
AGE: 51

OCCUPATION: Retired purchasing agent from Hurley Medical Center.

EDUCATION: Associate's degree from Mott Community College and Flint Northwestern graduate.

FAMILY: Single with four children and four grandchildren.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT: Flint-Genesee Economic Growth Alliance board member and Genesee County Land Bank board member.


Kerry Nelson
AGE: 41

OCCUPATION: Personal banker.

EDUCATION: Flint Northern graduate.

FAMILY: Single.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT: Deacon and assistant treasurer at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, member of the Flint Branch of the NAACP, member and finance director of the concession area for the National Baptist Convention USA Inc.
Post Tue Nov 01, 2005 9:54 pm 
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