Mayoral candidate Joel Haashiim fights for Detroit grassroots power

The Metro

Mayoral candidate Joel Haashiim fights for Detroit grassroots power

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Published on Jun 17, 2025, 6:00:27 PM
Total time: 00:23:24

Episode Description

There are a few candidates running as outsiders in Detroit’s mayoral election. They say they aren’t typical politicians and that they plan to prioritize the needs of residents in neighborhoods first. Joel Haashiim is one of those outsiders.

He’s a businessman who first opened a store on Seven Mile and Hartwell Street at the age of 20. Now, the 73-year-old is running on a platform to stop billionaires like Dan Gilbert and the Ilitch family from controlling local politics. Haashim says he wants to put power into people's hands. To do this, he says he wants to bring back “Citizens’ District Councils,” and start a public bank. 

Haashiim joined The Metro to share more about his platform and priorities for the city if elected Detroit's next mayor.

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"The Metro" covers local and regional news and current affairs, arts and cultural events and topics, with a commitment to airing perspectives and uncovering stories underreported by mainstream media in Detroit.