Questionnaire on Disability Priorities
2025
Disability Action asked candidates about their stances on important issues for disabled people in Michigan. Click on a race or candidate below to read their responses.
The disability community is large and diverse. Disabled people are part of every other community in our state and our priorities matter!
Race:
Detroit City Council
District: 6
Gabriela Santiago-Romero
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Race: Detroit City Council
District: 6
From candidate website: Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero, MSW, is an immigrant from Mexico, raised in Southwest Detroit, and an active organizer in Michigan. She’s the former Policy and Research Director at a state-based movement organization. She has spent her whole life fighting for justice and will continue to bring her core value of putting people first to local government.
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How do you plan on working with disabled people in your community to hear concerns and work collaboratively on policy solutions?
Throughout my time in office, I have worked closely with members of the disability community to elevate their concerns in city government. In 2023, I was proud to secure $1 million for the Sidewalk Repair Program, which prioritizes projects requested by residents with disabilities. In 2024, we built on that progress by winning $150,000 for bus stop improvements to expand wheelchair accessibility and $205,000 for bus driver training in diversity and sensitivity, ensuring that disabled riders are treated with dignity and respect. I also voted to cancel our Transdev contract which brought paratransit services in house. We now have same day paratransit services. I will continue to listen to and uplift the needs of the disability community by holding regular listening sessions, working alongside community organizations, and strengthening partnerships with the Office of Disability Affairs.
See their response to the entire questionnaire here.
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Santiago-Romero has a deep understanding of District 6 and the people within it. She has a record of supporting the most at-risk residents in her district from immigrants to disabled folks to those impacted by last year’s water main break. Her visibility and quick action on behalf of all the residents of District 6 has been important in helping the district through recent challenges.
Tyrone Carter
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Race: Detroit City Council
District: 6
From candidate website: For the past six and a half years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving as your State Representative for District 1, and previously District 6. Today, I’m excited to share that I am running for Detroit City Council, District 6 an opportunity to continue my lifelong commitment to public and community service.
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How do you plan on working with disabled people in your community to hear concerns and work collaboratively on policy solutions?
I previously served as Board Chair of Adult Well Being Services (now All Well Being), that championed the disabled community issues. I also have a close relationship with members of the Detroit ARK organization. I consult with them on the issues of concern for their members.
See their response to the entire questionnaire here.
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Earlier this year, an expansion of earned sick time was set to go into effect. Carter voted for HB 4002 which weakened those laws, most notably by removing a private right of action from the law, meaning individuals are unable to bring a lawsuit against their employer for violations. This was a significant harm to workers, particularly disabled workers, who may be exploited and undercompensated by their employer.
District: 7
Denzel Anton McCampbell
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Race: Detroit City Council
District: 7
From candidate website: Denzel Anton McCampbell is a young community advocate and native Detroiter living in District 7. He was born and raised on the east side and is a graduate of Michigan State University. Since high school, Denzel has been dedicated to public service, fighting day in and day out to increase access to democracy and representation for marginalized groups.
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How do you plan on working with disabled people in your community to hear concerns and work collaboratively on policy solutions?
I'm committed to creating a co-governance model with residents in District 7. My team and I will be engaged in robust outreach and meeting people where they are with door-knocking, phone-calling, virtual community meetings, and in-person meetings. I am also committed to create legislative workgroups with residents to work together on policy solutions and share information on what is being considered at the council table. I know that every area of policy impacts disabled folks and I will ensure that we have accessible and intentional ways for folks to be at the table. I believe in going to the people and inviting folks to be a part of the conversation.
See their response to the entire questionnaire here.
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McCampbell has a record of supporting causes and issues that are important to disabled people. He has demonstrated a commitment in his work to include disabled folks and challenge oppressive structures that hurt all oppressed people.
Karen Whitsett
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The candidate did not respond to the Questionnaire on Disability Priorities.
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Whitsett was a key figure in stopping any votes from occurring in the Michigan House of Representatives during the final days of the 2023-2024 legislative session. A number of the bills that did not receive votes and likely would have been passed into law were priorities for disabled people, including an increase to the minimum wage, improvements to paid sick time, and the Michigan Voting Rights Act which would have made important improvements to voting for disabled voters.
District: 3
Cranstana Anderson
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Race: Detroit City Council
District: 3
From candidate website: I am a proud, lifelong resident of Detroit’s East Side — born, raised, and rooted in District 3. Those that truly know me call me Gina. I attended preschool, elementary, middle, high school, and college right here in our city. As a young adult, I bought my first home near Conant Gardens, a once-thriving middle-class neighborhood where young people went off to college, the military, or began careers that built legacies. I am an advocate in the community, working for, and with the residents that want better opportunities, gainful employment, affordable quality homes, a premium quality education, nonviolent public safety, clean secure walkable streets where economic growth is visible. where our seniors and youth can be productive and confident that our leadership is leading with integrity.
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How do you plan on working with disabled people in your community to hear concerns and work collaboratively on policy solutions?
I will openly engage with disabled residents in the community to learn more about their individual needs. I would create a disability task force to recognize where our disabled residents are, to assure that they have advocates to assist in making sure their daily living needs are sufficient, and that they have a good quality of life.
Read their full answers here.
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Scott Benson
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Race: Detroit City Council
District: 3
From candidate website: Scott Benson’s journey began in a household where education, discipline, and service were more than values—they were a way of life. The son of two public school teachers, Scott learned early that real leadership means showing up, working hard, and making a difference. That belief carried him through 28 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served two overseas deployments and developed the strategic mindset and problem-solving skills that now guide his work in Detroit.
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The candidate did not respond to the Questionnaire on Disability Priorities.
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