This story is part of a special series where Planet Detroit’s neighborhood reporters hit the streets to capture local perspectives on voting and civic participation. Through interviews with community members across Detroit, we explore the challenges, motivations, and hopes that shape how our neighbors engage with the democratic process. These stories spotlight the diverse voices and experiences that define voting in our city, offering a window into the ways Detroiters view their role in shaping the future.
Neighborhood Reporting Lab is supported by the Americana and Kresge Foundations.
Meghan Rutigliano: So, let’s start with some introductory questions. What is your name, age, and occupation?
Francis Grunow: My name is Francis Grunow. I’m a public policy consultant, and I just turned 50.
Meghan: Happy birthday, Francis! What district do you live in?
Francis: I’m in District 5 for city council, but I’m not sure about my U.S. rep—it changed after redistricting. It might be 11 or 13, but I don’t know for certain.
Meghan: How long have you lived in Detroit?
Francis: I’ve lived here since 2001, and before that, I grew up here—from age 2 to 18. Then I moved to New York and came back in 2001, so it’s been about 23 years.
Meghan: Are you going to vote this year?
Francis: I am.
Meghan: Do you believe your vote makes a difference?
Francis: I do. I think voting is a snapshot of national sentiment, and it’s your voice in that mix. It’s one small voice, but it contributes to the larger whole. That’s how I like to think of it.
Meghan: What issues matter most to you in this election—health, climate, the environment, or something else?
Francis: On a national stage, all of those issues—health, climate, environment—are really important. But this year, the most important issue to me is whether our democracy is sustainable and whether we’ll be able to maintain the rights we’ve relied on. I wish those other issues were more front and center, but democracy itself is my biggest concern this year.
Meghan: Did you watch the Republican or Democratic National Conventions?
Francis: I saw both in clips, mostly through articles and shows afterwards. I missed them as they were happening, though I did listen live to Kamala Harris’s speech during the Democratic Convention.
Meghan: Did she address your concerns about health or the environment?
Francis: She touched on those ideas, but they weren’t really front and center. In the Republican Convention, there was a lot of focus on the economy and the border crisis, which I think were used in ways that led to unfortunate rhetoric. In the Democratic Convention, Harris set the stage for people coming together, which I appreciated. It felt like more about the future and what could be, rather than grievances. That’s part of why I vote—because even though we don’t all agree, it’s the one way we can figure out the best way forward together.
Meghan: What are the most pressing climate or environmental issues for you and people in Detroit? Is air quality a concern, or is it something else like access to clean water or green jobs?
Francis: Air quality is definitely an issue in Detroit, particularly in southwest Detroit, which has some of the most polluted air in the city and high asthma rates. Many people there lack access to proper medical care to address these issues. I think evolving Detroit more toward green jobs and technologies that address health issues could help a lot. We’ve made some progress, like shutting down the incinerator, which was a major source of pollution. But there’s a lot more we could do. Another idea I wish we could lean into is home repair and green jobs related to rebuilding the city’s infrastructure, which could benefit both the environment and the local economy.
Meghan: Could you give an example of the kind of work you’re talking about?
Francis: Sure, it could be anything from replacing old piping with greener materials or non-lead pipes, to removing asbestos or toxic paints. But it’s also about rebuilding homes that haven’t been maintained—fixing roofs, updating electrical wiring, and other essential repairs. Many homes in Detroit are over 100 years old, and their systems have reached the end of their life cycle. Training people to do this work safely could create jobs and make communities safer. We’re starting to do some of this with union programs, but we could do a lot more.
Meghan: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Francis: Detroit plays an important role on the national stage, maybe in ways we don’t fully appreciate. We saw this during the last election, and I hope people remember that this year. Detroit can make a difference, and we should ensure everyone has access to voting. I’m wary of what could happen if we don’t learn from the challenges of 2020, and I’m hopeful we’ve made the right plans to ensure a fair, safe election.
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