Cherise Payton, a 45-year-old Lincoln Park resident, announced this week that she wants to be the next city councilor to represent Duluth's 4th District.
Her entrance into the race will likely prompt a Sept. 12 primary, as two other candidates already have launched campaigns for the same position.
Payton pointed to her somewhat rocky life experience as part of what sets her apart from other candidates.
"I was a single mom. I am a felon, soon to be off probation. And I am a survivor of domestic abuse," she said, noting that many fellow residents of her district are struggling with their own challenges, often related to poverty.
"Basically, people feel they're not being heard, and I can relate," Payton said. "The reason I'm running is for the people."
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As for her legal troubles, Payton said she expects to complete her probation this summer for a felony theft conviction 10 years ago that stemmed from falsified child care records she signed.
"I was young. I was dumb, and I made mistakes. But, today, I'm a different person," she said.
Payton raised four sons, who are now adults, and said she did so essentially as a single mother.
Today, she serves as a mentor, working with families and child protection officials to help reunite parents and children.
"If I can overcome my downfalls, anybody can. But we need a system that's willing to work for the people, and that's not what's happening right now," Payton said.
Payton said she also has been organizing outreach programs at the Harrison Community Center for the past few years, "just to bring the community together, because we're so divided."
"I want to bridge that gap within Duluth. People say that Lincoln Park is a forgotten community. I don't want us to be a forgotten community any more," she said.
"I believe in going back to the old days, where it took the neighborhood to raise a child. ... If we go back to some of those days, I think we'll be a much better place, if we start looking out for each other," Payton said.
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Payton said she intends to seek the DFL party's endorsement for the 4th District seat. Two other candidates who have entered the race also indicated they will pursue the same endorsement: Tom Furman and Renee Van Nett.
Councilor Howie Hanson, who currently represents Duluth's 4th District, said he will not run for another term.
