Three incumbents, one newcomer win Benton Harbor city commission seats

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — The results are in for the winners of Benton Harbor’s city commission race.

One of them is newcomer Ethel Clark-Griffin, who won the fourth ward race in her first run at public office. 

“I’m going to continue the fight for Benton Harbor and try to get stuff done, I know the fourth ward, I know what we need and what hasn’t been done.”  

Clark-Griffin said she decided to throw her hat in the ring after all that’s unfolded with Benton Harbor’s ongoing water crisis, citing her experience with multiple organizations – including being chair of the local chapter of United Auto Workers – and having been a resident for over 40 years. 

The other three commission seats went to incumbents, one being Mayor Pro Tem Duane Seats, who has been part of the city commission since 2009.

A Benton Harbor native, he said his goal has always been improving his city, and right now, that includes supporting Mayor Marcus Muhammad as they work their way out of the water crisis.  

“Number one, we’re going to get the lead out of every home, get all the lead pipes out,” said Seats. “The mayor and I are working sometimes seven days a week, fielding calls from all around the United States, figuring out how to make Benton Harbor a safer plane for the adults and children.”  

In addition to Seats and Clark-Griffin, incumbents Ron Singleton and Juanita Henry were reelected.