BENTON HARBOR, Mich – Benton Harbor residents gathered as the city’s Mayoral candidates debated issues facing the community. 

“I came out to just get informed on what their opinions are,” Benton Harbor resident Duane Burton said. 

The candidates spoke about issues including education, economic development, public safety, and housing.  

Both Mayor Muhammad and City Commissioner Ron Singleton addressed each issue. 

“One of the first things we have to tackle is housing the city of Benton Harbor is not only in need of affordable housing but we have a gap for persons who want to have a higher standard of housing,” Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad said. 

City Commissioner and Mayoral candidate Ron Singleton spoke about the way the city should strive to achieve the improvements he feels is necessary.

“You know we need to have economic development, we need to have something for them to come back to, we need to strengthen our neighborhoods,” Singleton said. 

The election will be held Tuesday, November 5^thwith each candidate calling the upcoming election pivotal for the city.