Citizen Vox: Detroiter highlights the need for better senior services
As Detroit approaches a pivotal mayoral primary, Dena Norris shares her concerns about senior services and affordable housing, issues she says aren’t getting enough attention from candidates. “Great ideas are great,” she says, “but can you manifest them?” Hear more from Detroit voters in WDET’s Citizen Vox series.
The downtown Detroit skyline. Photo credit: Jake Neher, WDET
Detroit is just a few weeks away from a primary election that will decide the two final contenders to become the next mayor. WDET is listening to the voices of Detroit voters as part of our Citizen Vox project.
One of those voters is Dena Norris. She says she wants the next mayor to address issues that hit close to home.
The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Dena Norris: So, top of mind for me is senior security, you know, and more services for seniors. You know, as I travel down in age, I’m interested in those specialties. I’m also very concerned about affordable housing. It is outrageous the rents that, you know, people are being asked to pay and for so little.
I provide housing for senior women who are in temporary states of homelessness. And I know that they’re not going to find anything — it’s going to be very difficult for them to find affordable housing when they leave me. I like the concept of tiny homes. I think that is an excellent way to go. If we can have more communities of tiny homes… It’s a small thing, a big thing, you know, a small contribution, but a very big thing.
Sascha Raiyn, WDET News: Have you heard any candidates addressing the issues that are important to you?
DN: No, I haven’t. I listened to one forum, and I was impressed with a few of them. I don’t remember if they addressed those issues specifically, but I don’t think so.
They were talking about creating more jobs. Really important. We need that too. Everybody talks about, in every election, you know what they bring, what they’re going to bring. And then nobody brings anything. You know, if you don’t know how to operate economically, what can you really bring to the city?
You have great ideas. You know, I had great ideas once upon a time.
Great ideas are great ideas. Can you manifest them? Do you have the skills? Do you know how to work it? By the numbers, those are the important points.
SR: Do you see some enthusiasm, interest in this election right now?
DN: I don’t. I don’t, you know, but I don’t feel any enthusiasm in the city for this election. Period. Maybe I’m not hanging out in the right places, you know, but I’m not feeling that energy.
