I always enjoy talking with candidates running for elected office against,”Status quo,” especially when it’s an effort to bring positive change, to a distressed disadvantaged black city.—— 

Such was the case a couple of nights ago when I had the opportunity to speak with, “Team Franklin,” a determined group of East St. Louis residents, who have had enough, of watching their once proud city, continue its slide into despair. ——-

The team is lead by community organizer, Marie Franklin, whose energy and determination is infectious, she is a candidate for mayor, of East St. Louis. ------ 

Lorenzo D. Savage, architect and founder of the, “I Am East St. Louis” magazine, is also a candidate for a council seat, along with Paris Grimmett, a young educator, with a special interest in uplifting the youth in  his troubled city. ———

Stating the need to improve educational opportunities, for black children in district 189, the slate features two young women candidates, for seats on the district school board. ———

Kianna Grimmett and Jennifer Chike round off an impressive group for,” Team Franklin,”on the April 4th ballot, in East St. Louis. ———