By Rob South, WKAR News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-854389.mp3
LANSING, MI – Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has picked up the endorsement of former mayoral candidate Charles Ford.
AUDIO:
Bernero and Ford stood side by side during the announcement and congratulated each other on their leadership and vision for the city. It was in sharp contrast to scene last month when Ford was urging the city to postpone the clean up of the Buy-Rite Furniture store, which burned to the ground in May. Ford is the attorney is representing Dave Sheets, owner of Buy-Rite. The Lansing Fire Department is investigating the fire as arson. Ford says Bernero is the best candidate for the job and he hasn't been offered anything in return for his support.
"This endorsement is of my free will, because I believe that Lansing to move forward," he said. "We need four more years of Virg Bernero to lead this city in the direction it's going and I tell 'ya, I see a lot of positive things. So I don't want anyone to give any impressions that I have been offered something for this endorsement, I have been offered nothing."
Ford came in third in last week's primary election, but picked up nearly 16% of the vote. Those votes could be critical in November. Only six points separated Bernero and challenger Carol Wood, neither of whom got the majority of votes.