Willie Burton

Willie Burton was born in Detroit, Michigan. He earned a high school diploma from Kettering High School. His career experience includes working as a public servant.[1][2]

Burton has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

National Action Network

Southeast Michigan Progressive Democratic Caucus

Obama Grassroots Walkers

Democratic Socialists of America

National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Willie E. Burton, a lifelong Detroiter, three-term Detroit Police Commissioner Emeritus, community advocate, and Democratic candidate for Michigan's 9th House District. Throughout my years of public service, I have worked to improve public safety, strengthen civilian oversight, and ensure government is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves.

My campaign is centered on creating economic opportunity, supporting working families, improving infrastructure, expanding access to quality healthcare, and investing in education and neighborhood development. I believe government should be practical, accountable, and focused on delivering results that improve people's daily lives.

I have earned the trust of labor organizations, community leaders, and residents because I listen, build consensus, and work to solve problems. If elected, I will bring that same commitment to Lansing by fighting for policies that create jobs, support small businesses, protect workers' rights, and strengthen communities across the 9th District.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I will put people before politics. My focus is on creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our neighborhoods, supporting working families, and making state government more responsive and accountable. Every decision I make will be guided by what is best for the people of the 9th District.Public safety and economic opportunity go hand in hand. As a three-term Detroit Police Commissioner, I understand the importance of safe neighborhoods, community trust, and responsible government. I will work to improve public safety while protecting civil rights and investing in education, infrastructure, and workforce development.I believe Michigan succeeds when workers, businesses, educators, and communities work together. I will fight for better roads, affordable healthcare, quality public education, strong labor protections, and policies that help families build a brighter future.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about economic development, workforce opportunities, public safety, infrastructure, education, affordable healthcare, government accountability, and protecting the rights of working people. I believe strong communities require safe neighborhoods, good schools, reliable public services, and an economy that creates opportunity for everyone. I am also committed to improving transparency in government and ensuring public officials remain accountable to the people they serve.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

My campaign has been endorsed by the 13th Congressional District Democratic Party, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 26, Teamsters Local 299, and other community leaders and supporters who believe in my commitment to public service, working families, government accountability, and stronger neighborhoods.

Detroit Board of Police Commissioners District 5

Willie Burton did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

Detroit City Council District 5

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Willie E. Burton, a three-term Detroit Police Commissioner, civil rights advocate, and lifelong Detroiter. I’ve dedicated my life to public service: fighting for transparency, civil liberties, and a government that works for working families. From leading the fight for police accountability to standing with labor, I’ve never been afraid to challenge powerful interests when Detroiters’ futures are on the line. I believe true public safety starts with strong communities, living-wage jobs, affordable housing, and accessible mental health care. As your next City Councilmember for District 5, I’ll bring that same courage and commitment to City Hall—standing up for everyday people, pushing for fair development, and making sure every Detroiter’s voice is heard and respected.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

People over politics: Detroiters deserve leaders who don’t just talk the talk at election time but stand shoulder-to-shoulder with working families every single day. I’ve never been afraid to challenge powerful interests to protect our community’s well-being, civil liberties, and economic future. On Council, I’ll fight for responsible budgets, transparency, and fair development that uplifts our neighborhoods, not just downtown. I believe every Detroiter should see their voice reflected in City Hall and their needs prioritized over political favors.Public safety and economic opportunity go hand in hand: We can’t keep throwing people in jail and expect poverty to disappear. Public safety starts long before someone commits a crime—by providing living-wage jobs, affordable housing, strong schools, and accessible mental health care. As Police Commissioner, I championed accountability and civil rights because real safety means trust between residents and law enforcement. On Council, I’ll keep fighting to grow jobs, invest in community programs that prevent crime before it starts, and protect our youth’s futures.Real Accountability for a Stronger Detroit

For too long, billionaires have gotten sweetheart deals while neighborhoods suffer. I’ll push for a transparent budget process, fair taxes, and strict oversight of every development contract. When public money is spent, it should benefit the public—meaning local jobs, affordable housing, and community benefits that last. I will always stand up for ordinary Detroiters and ensure City Hall works for everyone. We can build a Detroit where families feel safe, respected, and part of every decision.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about protecting civil liberties, strengthening police oversight, and fighting for public safety that respects everyone’s rights. I believe housing is a human right and will push for truly affordable homes. I care deeply about making city government transparent, so people know where every dollar goes. Good jobs, fair wages, mental health support, and removing red tape for small businesses are critical too. I want Detroiters to have a real say in development, safety, and our economic future.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

City Council is the voice and watchdog for everyday people. It balances the budget, oversees city departments, and passes laws that directly impact our daily lives — housing, safety, jobs, and services. Unlike higher offices, Councilmembers are on the ground with residents, hearing concerns firsthand. This office must bridge communities and government, hold power accountable, and stand up when other branches fall short. It’s democracy closest to the people — that’s its unique power.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Frederick Douglass. He spoke truth to power and fought for dignity and justice, even when it wasn’t easy.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I’d recommend Dr. King’s “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” because it lays out exactly how we must tackle poverty, inequality, and injustice with real solutions, not empty promises. It reminds us that fighting for civil rights means fighting for economic rights too. I also look to The Autobiography of Malcolm X for its lessons in courage, self-respect, and the power of standing up to the status quo. Both inspire my commitment to bold, people-centered leadership.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity must be non-negotiable — the people need to trust that you stand for them, not for special interests. An elected official should have courage to speak out and take tough stands when others stay silent. Accountability, transparency, and honesty in every decision are vital. Accessibility matters too — leaders should always be reachable and listen deeply to community voices. I believe in fairness, standing up for civil rights, and putting people over politics every time, no matter the cost.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I’m courageous, community-focused, and never afraid to challenge the status quo. I listen, I act, and I stand up for people.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core duty is to serve the people — not developers or insiders — by protecting taxpayer dollars and making sure city services work for everyone. It means fighting for clean neighborhoods, safe streets, and good jobs while ensuring transparency in every decision. Listening to residents, bringing their voices to City Hall, and holding departments accountable are critical. A councilmember should balance the budget fairly, stand up for civil rights, and help build a city that works for all.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I fought for ordinary Detroiters, expanded civil rights, and made government more accountable — a Detroit that works for everyone.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember the election of Coleman Young as Detroit’s first Black mayor — I was a kid but felt the pride in my community.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN): A community-based activist group that focused on social justice.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

& Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

The Black Panther

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Fight the Power!

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Standing up alone at times against powerful interests. It’s isolating but I’ve never backed down when people’s rights are at stake.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Most people don’t realize City Council shapes how tax dollars are spent through the budget — every dollar for police, fire, housing, roads, and more. Council also has the power to approve major land deals, development incentives, and contracts that can make or break neighborhoods. Council can hold hearings, call out corruption, and push for reforms when departments fall short. It’s not just a rubber stamp — when done right, it’s the people’s check on city government.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes — experience helps you hit the ground running and understand how the system really works. I’ve seen how to navigate budgets, oversight, and policy to get results for residents. But experience must come with integrity and fresh ideas — it’s not about being a career politician but about knowing how to fight for people effectively. New voices and lived experience matter too. The best leaders combine real-world experience, courage, and the skills to make government work for everyone.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

A councilmember needs strong listening skills and the courage to act on what people say. Budget and policy knowledge are vital — you must know how to read numbers, question deals, and protect taxpayer money. Negotiation and coalition-building matter, too, because nothing gets done alone. It helps to understand public safety, housing, and economic development. Most of all, integrity and transparency keep you grounded. If you have these skills, you can truly serve the community.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

City Council is unique because it’s the closest link between residents and City Hall. It holds the purse strings through the budget and has oversight over city departments to ensure they work for the people. Council can pass local laws that shape housing, safety, and jobs. Unlike other levels of government, Councilmembers walk neighborhoods, hear concerns directly, and can hold public hearings to demand accountability. It’s the people’s branch of local government — powerful when used right.

Tell us your favorite joke.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Detroit Native Sun Newspaper, Obama Grassroots Walkers, Former Sheriff and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Detroit novelist Omari Bayi, Former DPS Board President Juvette Hawkins-Williams, Retired DPS Superintendent Dr. John Telford, Political director of the Michigan National Action Network (NAN) Sam Riddle, Detroit NAN organizer Lory Parks, Detroit Public School Teacher Katarina Brown, Detroit UIN DETIPTV CEO Tim Moore, The Renaissance Observer, D. Eta Wilcoxin, founding District 4 Community Advisory Council member Scotty Boman, former Police Commissioner Bill Davis, Detroit After Party and many more.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Detroiters deserve to know where every public dollar goes and how it serves them. I believe in open budgeting, stronger contract oversight, and fair tax assessments so residents aren’t left holding the bag while wealthy developers get breaks. We must stop backroom deals and demand community benefits that last. True accountability means regular reporting to the people, honest leadership, and making sure city departments deliver on promises. Public money should always work for the public — not special interests.

Willie Burton did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2021 Candidate Connection survey.