Gwen Johnson for Mayor

GWEN JOHNSON For City Mayor 2023 of Benton Harbor, MI.

TRUTH, TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY

Meet Gwen- A Powerful and Positive Voice for Benton Harbor

As a passionate community leader and advocate, Gwen Johnson is a much needed voice for Benton Harbor.

Born and raised in Benton Harbor, Gwen Johnson has always been passionate about making a difference in her community. As a dedicated community leader and advocate, she is dedicated to improving the lives of all residents. With her vision and leadership, she hopes to bring positive changes to Benton Harbor. A NEW DAY…A NEW WAY Gwen Johnson has been serving the community for over 30 years as a community organizer, advocate and youth leader. She has a proven track record of successfully bringing people together to create positive change. She is a woman of action! Gwen was very instrumental in sounding the alarm and raising the awareness about the water crisis concerning high lead levels in resident's homes back in 2018. During the time of the crisis, when Benton Harbor resident's water was completely shut down for 24-48 hours, Gwen provided hotels rooms and meals for many families which included the elderly, handicapped and children. In addition, she has fought tirelessly for justice on many other occasions on behalf of Benton Harbor residents. Gwen was also a catalyst in the initiation of the Election Day of Grace and creation of the Citizens Review Board. This speaks volumes on how compassionate she is concerning the welfare of our community. Gwen also has over 20 years combined in the profession of Human Resources, Community Development, People Operations and Recruitment so she is very in tune with the economic needs of the community. When she is not working to make Benton Harbor a better place, she enjoys spending time with her family. With boots on the ground, Gwen is ready to lead Benton Harbor into a bright and prosperous future!

Priorities for the future of Benton Harbor

Gwen Johnson is committed to making Benton Harbor a better place to live for all residents. Some of her priorities include:

1. Building Sustainable Jobs

Gwen supports job creation initiatives and economic development that will provide Benton Harbor residents with stable and sustainable employment by creating new job opportunities, provide necessary training and living wages.

2. Strengthening Community Programs

Gwen believes in investing in community-based programs and services that promote health, wellness, and education, powered block clubs and neighborhood beautification.

3. Honor the voices and rights of the community

As mayor, Gwen Johnson will prioritize listening to and working with the community to ensure that their voices and rights are respected and honored.

4. Improving Housing

Gwen will work to improve the quality of housing in Benton Harbor, making it more affordable and accessible to everyone. Also encouraging financial literacy for to increase homeownership. Implementing transitional housing to help decrease recidivism.

5. Mental Health Advocacy

Gwen Johnson is committed to improving mental health services and resources in Benton Harbor. Having the same resources available to Benton Harbor residents as other communities.

6. Racial Justice Department relief funding

Gwen Johnson will work to secure funding to support a Racial Equity Department to put protections in place to ensure fairness for our residents on every level. Protecting our school zones and creating Black Wall Street Zones.

7. Youth and Elderly resources

Gwen Johnson will work to provide a variety of resources and support for both the youth and elderly populations in Benton Harbor including transportation.

8. Peace in the Streets

Gwen Johnson will prioritize working with law enforcement, residents and community organizations to create safer neighborhoods and promote "Peace in the Streets".

9. Better Policies and Policing

Gwen Johnson will work to implement better policies throughout every department of the city of Benton Harbor and policing practices ensuring that all residents are treated fairly and justly.