Trail Mix: Papers of record weigh in as controversies crop up
City Council president and mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield was the subject of discussion last week over a Free Press column questioning her use of tax dollars for birthday cards, as well as a logo mix-up that gained traction on social media.
We're looking a bit closer at the UAW logo issue:
A flyer for an event featuring Sheffield surfaced, using the UAW logo, despite the fact that the UAW didn't endorse her; instead, they chose the Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. The flyer was shared on Sheffield's Instagram story but then deleted, per the Michigan Chronicle.
The UAW issued a statement reiterating it selected Kinloch, saying "Sheffield knows this," and that the campaign "improperly" used the logo and "cast confusion".
However, the Sheffield campaign didn't create the flyer — it was created by the UAW members supporting Sheffield, UAW member Lynda Shari Jackson commented on the UAW's statement on Facebook and told media. Jackson wrote that "this whole thing has been blown outta proportion."
"We respect the right of UAW Local 7 and 51 members to show support independently, and … this initiative was not organized by our campaign," Sheffield said in a statement.
The bottom line: The UAW's endorsement is weighty, but still, members can vote for who they wish.
Videos surface: Mayoral candidate Jonathan Barlow 's name was in the news last week as he faced harassment claims over viral social media videos depicting a late-night interaction between him and a group of women.
A BridgeDetroit article details the occurrence, with the women's side of the story as well as Barlow's.
Papers weigh in: The Free Press chose to endorse Sheffield in the mayoral primary, writing that her plans were "the most clear and precise" and her time in office shows she can make things happen.
"She's made no bones about asking our corporate community to do more, but can passionately argue why that's in business' best interest."
Meanwhile, the Detroit News endorsed former City Council president and nonprofit CEO Saunteel Jenkins — a notable choice, as some consider Sheffield and Kinloch the two most likely to advance through the primary. Jenkins' campaign and other observers still view the second general election slot as highly winnable.
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