Mayoral candidate pushes ahead as election approaches

By Tariqah Shakir-Muhammad -The Final Call- | Last updated: Feb 27, 2017 - 12:18:12 PM

Dolton candidate for mayor, Duane Muhammad, recently thanked supporters and fellow candidates at a banquet in Dolton ahead of the February 28 mayoral and trustee election. Photo: Hassan Muhammad

DOLTON,Ill—In honor and support of Duane Muhammad’s 2017 mayoral campaign for the city of Dolton, fellow candidates and supporters met at The Dorchester, Feb. 1 for a fundraiser and banquet.

Political officials, fellow candidates, family, friends and supporters congratulated Mr. Muhammad on his campaign. He thanked all participants and discussed possible outcomes on important issues concerning the township which is situated 18 miles south of downtown Chicago and where Mr. Muhammad currently serves as a Trustee.

“When you leave here, represent us, learn the issues so that you can discuss the issues and why things need to change. You have to be what we call in television ‘quick study or fast study.” Annual budgeting and failure to pass standardized testing from public schools are currently a major concern in Dolton. Money is not being spent wisely, he added.

“We’re trying to bring young professionals into Dolton. So when you hear that the testing is low, that’s why you have to get involved because we’ve got to bring the testing up. So, when you involve yourself in the school system, you find out ‘well, why are they testing so low?”

Duane Muhammad packs supplies for backpacks donated to Dolton students. Photo: Courtesy of duanemuhammad.com

Mr. Muhammad encouraged residents of Dolton and those who know residents of the village to engage in and study the issues concerning their village.

“Learn the issues that affect you here in Dolton. You got a lot of misinformation that has come out in the last few weeks. What we’re going to do is bring the actual facts.” Mr. Muhammad said. He also plans to work specifically on employment rates, development and business, recreation for both youth and elder groups, and housing.

Participants at the event enjoyed delicious food prepared by Chef Jimmy Carter which included various breads, fresh salad, vegetable and beef stew, specially-prepared chicken, and various fruits.

Volunteers, friends and supporters distributed fliers and placed telephone calls to inform residents about the election and Mr. Muhammad’s candidacy. Elections for mayor and Trustees in Dolton will be held February 28. Candidates for Trustee of Dolton and Friends of Duane Muhammad include Felita Crayton, a volunteer for public service for 16 years and Mary Avent, a former police officer for 23 years and Stanford Culp who is a self-employed business owner for more than 20 years. The trio was instrumental in organizing on behalf of Mr. Muhammad’s campaign.

The mayoral-election for Dolton ends February 28. Voting and registration continues until February 27. For more information, visit duanemuhammad.com

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