Marcus Muhammad Elected Benton Harbor Mayor

By Ashahed M. Muhammad -Assistant Editor- | Last updated: Nov 11, 2015 - 7:35:31 AM

Benton Harbor Mayor-elect Marcus Muhammad

(FinalCall.com) - The people have spoken, and they have elected Marcus Muhammad mayor of Benton Harbor.

Capturing 60 percent of the vote, Mr. Muhammad defeated incumbent mayor James Hightower in a hard fought and often contentious election. Although Mr. Muhammad’s political record and character were constantly being attacked by his opponent, he consistently took the high road, never resorting to the typical mudslinging often seen during political campaigns.

“Now that the election is over, I humbly ask that all please join me in an effort of unity moving forward as we as a community work together for the betterment of our city,” said Mr. Muhammad. “Let’s set our differences aside, and rally and support one another for our city.”

Mayor-elect Muhammad is to be sworn in on the third Monday of December and officially begins his term as mayor January 1, 2016.

Benton Harbor’s population of a little over 10,000 is at its lowest level in over a century. The city is 89 percent Black with a median income of $17,300 according to the most recent U.S. Census figures. Mr. Muhammad is looking forward to working for the people in cooperation with the re-elected and newly-elected commissioners to turn the blighted town into an example of renewal for all to see.

“Major issues for the city are decreasing water rates, increasing revenue, economic development, and making Benton Harbor more investment and business friendly by improving the politics and the city government,” said Mr. Muhammad.

Well known throughout the community, as a legendary high school athlete and native son, Mr. Muhammad was elected as a Commissioner-at- Large in 2009 and re-elected in 2013. He also served as Mayor Pro Tem from 2010 to 2012.

Last year, it appeared that Mr. Muhammad was well on his way to victory in a recall election that would have made him the mayor, however, procedural and legal hurdles were erected and a major community leader, Rev. Edward Pinkney, was jailed after what many residents believe was a politically motivated arrest and trial.

Mr. Pinkney led the mobilization for the recall election and was a strong supporter of Mr. Muhammad. Rev. Pinkney challenged the awesome power of giants like the Whirlpool Corp., which is based in Benton Harbor, saying the corporation had too much power and received too many benefits while giving Benton Harbor’s Black residents little.

A judge stopped the recall election and as a result, the residents of Benton Harbor found themselves politically disenfranchised. Now, a little over a year later, the residents used their constitutional right to finally vote Mayor Hightower out of office.

An Emergency Financial Manager, put in place by then Gov. Jennifer Granholm, was removed in 2014 and now there is a Receivership Transition Advisory Board (RTAB) in place that reviews and approves all resolutions by the city council. The elected Benton Harbor officials are not yet at full local control, but in terms of day-today affairs and operating the city, that control has been restored, placing the small city on the path to selfdetermination, Mr. Muhammad noted.

“The ultimate goal is to return the office of the mayor back to the residents through my administration,” said Mr. Muhammad. “Until the city of Benton Harbor is a government of, for and by the people, no plan will be successful,” he said.

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