Feb. 13 – Dennis Archer on Voter Turn-out and DCS Annual Elections

Hear remarks on voter turn out from Dennis Archer, a lifelong Democrat who served as a public school teacher, attorney, Michigan State Supreme Court Justice

He is best known as the former Mayor of Detroit and the first African American to become president of the American Bar Association.

Archer was first appointed a Justice on the Michigan State Supreme Court in 1985. He then won election to the Supreme Court post later that year and served until 1990. In 1993 he ran for mayor of Detroit, succeeding Mayor Coleman Young, the first black mayor of the city.

He was elected to a second term in 1997 by a wide margin. As mayor, Archer promoted economic growth in the most impoverished areas of the city by persuading the federal government to make Detroit one of the first cities to receive federal Empowerment Zone status. He also initiated Detroit’s downtown “renaissance,” a controversial plan to develop the downtown area to lure businesses and residents back into the city.

Archer’s community development efforts brought him national attention and acclaim. He was appointed to a position on the Board of Trustees of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and served twice as President of the organization.

In 2002, one year after leaving office as Mayor of Detroit, Archer was elected President of the American Bar Association. He became the first African American to head the nation’s oldest and largest professional legal association. Sarasota Democrats are happy to welcome Mayor Archer and his wife as they enjoy their retirement in our beautiful city.

Where

Selby Library, Geldbart Auditorium, 1331 First Street, Downtown Sarasota

Time

Check in opens at 1 p.m. Program starts at 1:30 p.m. Please do not arrive before 1 p.m.

Cost

Free!

RSVP

Send e-mail with all guests names to Reserve@SarasotaDems.com or leave message at (941) 379-9233. Walk-ins welcome (although we appreciate your reserving space in advance!).