Morningside’s Finest: Ricardo White

Ricardo White stumbled onto politics in his early teens. He came across C-Span while channel surfing one day in 2004, as a debate about the Iraq War was playing out on the Senate floor. Although politics wasn’t often discussed around his dinner table, Ricardo felt immediately engaged. He began doing political volunteer work several years later, at the age of 18, and hasn’t looked back since. Today Ricardo serves as the Legislative and Policy Director for newly-elected District 7 City Councilmember Fred Durhal III.

He also happens to be a MorningSide neighbor. A lifelong Detroiter, Ricardo moved from downtown Detroit to Three Mile Drive several years ago and says he’s been “incredibly happy living here” because of “terrific neighbors” and an active community.

Ricardo met Councilmember Durhal while working as a legislative aide in the Michigan House of Representatives in Lansing, where Durhal was a State Representative. They became friends as well as colleagues, and Ricardo was drafted to work in Councilmember Durhal’s office after the November election.

Ricardo says that as Legislative and Policy Director, it’s his job to look at potential legislation with three things in mind. First, he says, there’s the “do no harm test.” Will this policy help or harm Detroiters? Second, he looks at the legal implications of a potential piece of legislation. Is it likely to face any serious challenge to its legality or constitutionality? Third, can you build a coalition around the proposed legislation? Does it have support from other Council members and residents?

The difference between working in a Republicancontrolled state legislature and working for the Detroit City Council is striking, Ricardo says. “Having the ability to really have an impact is amazing. There are so many opportunities… to do something positive, especially with six new Council members.”

When he isn’t busy analyzing legislation, Ricardo enjoys reading - especially foreign policy and history - and travel. He’s also honed his cooking skills as a result of the pandemic, he says.

All his years in politics, even in these divisive times, hasn’t dampened Ricardo’s natural optimism. He speaks of being “enthralled by the majesty of government” without a hint of cynicism. Ricardo plans to carry that optimism into a bid for Michigan State Representative in the newly-configured 11th House District.

We’ll certainly be hearing more from this MorningSider in the months and years to come!