Candidates Discuss Fifth Ward Issues

A local attorney and a University of Michigan urban sociologist are the tenders for the Fifth Ward Council seat in Monday's election. They are Republican John D. McCormick, 39, of 1045 Hasper Dr., a partner in the local law firm of Shankland, Hilller, McCormick & Barnett; and DemoIcrat Donald I. Warren, 35, of 1611 Hatchler Crescent. I "I have been extremely disturbed by the startling increase in crimes of viollence in our community and consider [that crime and the drug problem are [twin manifestations of the breakdown of I the social values in our community f which have resulted in so many .of our citizens leaving it," McCormick said. I He added, "The city must relearn the - - - ' i - - three R's, reason, respect and responsibility, and the lesson must begin at City Hall. The taxpayer needs straight answers and prompt attention when he has a problem with his local government, not bureaucratie dilly-dally, dawdle and delay. Until he can understand and support the program of his city and have confidence in its administration, it is too much to expect him to vote additional tax monies. "I can remember when the city had a municipal beach at the present site of the canoe livery and children could swim anywhere; few would care to try it I now. It would be my hope to be able to I make a significant contribution in the (overplease)
complex process of restoring the safe, I healthy, vigorous quality of life in our city which has been so sadly diminished in recent years." McCormick also called for the restructuring of the Model Cities Program with örécöntroïïing power in City Council to make the program more workable. Warren said: "Unlike those people I who now see great cause for alarm and I defeatism, I look with great confidence to the future of this city. I believe my commitment to a vigorous representation of people's interest at the 'grassroots' can make a contribution to government in this city, Rhetoric and moral platitudes can resolve neither fear nor anger." . Í He added, "We shoüld address ourselves to the needs of people - and build bridges of understanding between all citizens. We need to be concerned with the rights of victims of crimes as i well as those of the accused. Establishment of rumor centers would lessen the anxieties founded upon misinformation. A year-round youth corps would actively involve a vital element of our city in community concerns. Senior citizens have contributions to make to our community; we must seek out their experience and skill more than we have. "We must take affirmative action to retain the 'neighborhood' quality of life, without sacrificing our city to the demands of the urban-suburban 1 plex. Not only must we act on the cerns expressed by the more vocal representatives of local groups, but wel also must attëmpt to reach the unorganized individuals so that their views may be equally represented." Warren suggested a corporate structure for the Model Cities Program, where a corporation, not individuáis! would be responsible for the program. He said council should not have control over the program because this would créate a politica! football.