Former Detroit council president Saunteel Jenkins announces run for mayor

Saunteel Jenkins announces bid for Detroit Mayor

The ex-Detroit councilwoman and former head of THAW made the announcement Tuesday.

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Another candidate has jumped into the race for Detroit mayor - Saunteel Jenkins.

The race is on for outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan's successor with the finish line being Election Day in November. Duggan is stepping down once his third term in office ends.

Jenkins was on the city council before, and is a former council president. She made her run official on Tuesday in an announcement inside the St. Suzanne Cody Rouge Community Center, near W. Chicago and the Southfield Freeway.

She was surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, former and current, saying she grew up around there on the city's west side.

The backstory:

That particular community center is significant to her because her brother was shot and killed there in the early 90s. He was 14 years old and was leaving after playing basketball there.

She said it made a large impact on her, her view on life and her determination to make a difference.

Jenkins says she has a history of public service, starting as the director of a men's homeless shelter in Detroit and then in 2009, elected to the city council serving during the city's bankruptcy.

Most recently, though, she became the CEO of the city's The Heat And Warmth Fund program, which keeps the heat and electricity on for those who are struggling to pay bills, through hard times.

She says she is uniquely qualified to take on the role as mayor.

"We really are at the crossroads, and I think the next mayor will determine the trajectory of this City for decades to come," Jenkins said. "So it's important that we have a mayor that has the experience, that has the understanding of the community, and who's been through what Detroiters have been through."

She was asked her if she plans to build on the continued momentum, or if this is something that she wants to carve her own path.

Jenkins said a little of both, adding she wants to focus in on public transportation, early education and crime fighting measures.

The Source: This story comes from a press conference and interview with Saunteel Jenkins.