City of Benton Harbor
Press Release
Wilce L. Cooke
Mayor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of
Contact: Sarah
King
Phone: (269) 927-8404
Meets with Governor Jennifer Granholm in
Mayor Cooke described Governor Granholm’s response to his
numerous proposals as, “receptive and responsive.” He said she pledged to continue her support
and efforts to address issues in
Among plans presented during the meeting was a proposal for Benton Harbor summer youth employment which would employ youth to help clean up the City of Benton Harbor, including city parks, painting handicap access signage, and maintaining city-owned lots. “This will also provide our youth with one-on-one job training, as well as instilling pride in our youth as they are part of the beautification of their own community” stated Mayor Cooke.
Another major component for our youth is the partnership
with corporate, civic, and faith-based organizations in the implementation of
the Mayor’s Adopt-a-Park Program. This initiative, still in its planning stage,
could be part of the employment opportunities for the summer for youth, which
would incorporate mentoring and provide fun and educational activities for our children. The reading scores of
- more -
Among other priorities was the dialogue with the Governor of
petitions recently circulated by area residents for the Lakeland Family Clinic,
located in
Other topics discussed during the meeting included the
possibility of the Michigan State Police Post relocating in the City of Benton
Harbor at the end of their current lease next year and further training of
Mayor Cooke is working to develop more details for the plans
he presented to the Governor and feels that the meeting was both informative
and productive. He is looking forward to
the Governor’s continued support for
###