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Topic: Williamson-backed candidate cites need for change

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Steve Myers
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A feisty neighborhood activist backed by Mayor Don Williamson is battling a longtime City Council firebrand to represent the 2nd Ward in a contest that's gotten ugly.

Challenger Jackie Foster Poplar says incumbent Ed Taylor is invisible to residents and an embarrassing loudmouth who opposes important reforms proposed by Williamson.

"They're ready for a change," Poplar said of residents. "They want to see a new attitude. They are embarrassed by what they see."

Taylor, who has been criticized over the years for a few profane-laden outbursts, counters that Poplar is inexperienced and will do whatever Williamson says if she's elected, including ignoring important city laws. He says he helps residents in the ward and that help will translate into support on Election Day.

"I am the longest serving black elected official in the city of Flint," said Taylor, who has been on the council since 1992. "I run off of being bold. I stand up for the people. Don Williamson has four candidates so he can overthrow city government."

Poplar said she welcomes the mayor's support, but notes she has the endorsement of others, including The Flint Journal, the Greater Flint AFL-CIO and the Society of Afro-American Police. She also noted that other council members, such as Council Vice President Carolyn Sims, lacked political experience before serving.

"I'm not a rubber stamp or a rubber anything. I'm my own person," she said.

Poplar won the first round of the battle, finishing first in the August primary. But Taylor says he's confident about his chances Tuesday, saying he finished a close second even though he didn't campaign - something he's now doing.

The two also are currently slinging mud over a couple of issues. Poplar is criticizing Taylor for owning a boarded-up condemned house on W. Carpenter Road. Taylor said he's planning to rehab the property. He said he would have started sooner, but he's been busy fixing up his personal residence that was damaged in a fire this year and another house on Bishop Avenue.

Taylor is accusing Poplar of not following campaign finance law by not reporting Williamson's help, which includes a mobile billboard that lists her name with other candidates and a mailing that features her and attacks the council. He said her actions are an example of how she would operate in office.

Robert Coffman, Genesee County elections supervisor, said the billboard and mailing wouldn't be illegal if Williamson is using his own money to support candidates individually. But he also noted Poplar violated campaign finance law with her report submitted this week.

The report listed two markets and a church giving her a total of $131, which as corporations they are barred from doing. In addition, one donor, Linda Pitts, gave $1,416, which exceeds a $500 limit on individuals.

Poplar said the report contained mistakes. She said there are individuals from each of the corporations who actually donated the money. She also said Pitts collected the money from others at her work and various locations. Poplar said she plans on filing an amendment to show where the money came from as soon as possible.

Coffman said that would bring her into compliance, but added if she cannot identify who donated the money collected by Pitts, that money would have be given to a nonprofit organization, by law. He also said the donors must pay by check or money order if they donate more than $20.

Full Story:
http://www.mlive.com/news/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/news-32/1131121333126800.xml&coll=5
Post Sat Nov 05, 2005 1:23 am 
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Steve Myers
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2nd Ward hopefuls


Jackie Foster Poplar

AGE: 58.

OCCUPATION: Part-time receptionist for youth projects at the Zimmerman Center.

EDUCATION: Flint Northern High School graduate.

FAMILY: Married, one son, one grandchild.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT: Past president and member of Winona Street block club, and member of the choir, women's mission and Great Lakes mission at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.


Ed Taylor, incumbent

AGE: 46

OCCUPATION: Businessman and retired state probation officer.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in guidance and counseling from Eastern Michigan University. Flint Northern graduate.

FAMILY: Separated, three children.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT: Member of the city Retirement Board.
Post Sat Nov 05, 2005 1:24 am 
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