JoAnn and Donnie Whitehead, a couple of veteran activists living in St. Albans, make it a priority to challenge the machine. This summer, they supported City Council candidate Anthony Rivers as he ran against I. Daneek Miller, the incumbent.
Miller is a veteran labor leader who was tapped to run for office four years ago by his predecessor. He says his ability to collaborate with others has enabled him to accomplish more for the district.
But the Whiteheads still see value in supporting an insurgent — to force a conversation about the issues affecting the district and to hold those in power accountable.
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Editor's note: This story has been updated to account for the fact that the Whiteheads eventually got paid $2,500 for their services this year. The original story said they did not get paid by their clients.