The Free Press Editorial Board makes its endorsements in the some of the most competitive legislative races in metro Detroit on the August 2nd primary ballot.
State House District 1 — Democratic primary
Incumbent Brian Banks is sometimes capable of being a persuasive advocate for the most vulnerable residents of this east-side Detroit, Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods district. He’s an important voice in the Legislature.
Unfortunately, that voice is badly compromised by his obviously poor judgment in the way he conducts his personal affairs. Convicted of eight felonies — mostly for financial crimes — before he was even elected, he now faces new charges that he used fake pay stubs to get approval for a loan.
Enough’s enough. Time for a change.
The best pick among a crowded field of Democratic challengers is PAMELA SOSSI, a young lawyer whose specific ideas about revenue growth, the importance of support for cities and the desperate need for criminal sentencing reform in Michigan make her a standout.
Washington Youson, who was district director for former Congressman Hansen Clarke, is also impressive.
But Sossi, 32, of Harper Woods demonstrates a deeper grasp of the policy issues she’d face in Lansing, and has concrete solutions to offer.