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Detroit church leaders demand candidates for governor debate again

Wendell Anthony is the pastor of Fellowship Chapel and leads NAACP in Detroit
detroitnaacp.org

Republican Rick Snyder and democrat Virg Bernero agreed to just one debate. It took place last Sunday.

Reverend Wendell Anthony is one of about 5 dozen clergy members insisting they hold a second debate in Detroit. In his more than 20 years as pastor of Fellowship Chapel, he says he's never had to make such a demand. "Generally everybody's knocking down our doors to have a debate, to have a discussion," Anthony said.

Anthony says he hasn't heard specifics from the candidates on a number of important issues like paying for public safety, creating jobs, and reshaping the city. "Those questions were not asked, nor were they specified specifically from a Detroit orientation," Anthony said, adding "we want and we demand a Detroit discussion and Detroit debate to deal with Detroit issues."

Bernero has confirmed he'll attend the forum next week. But republican Rick Snyder has declared the argument over debates is over.

Lindsey Smith is a Peabody Award-winning journalist currently leading the station's Amplify Team. She previously served as Michigan Public's Morning News Editor, Investigative Reporter and West Michigan Reporter.