Irwin Danto is a legacy candidate who’s grandfather, Julius Danto helped start the West Vernor Business Association in the 1950’s. In 1993 Irwin joined Dan Wood Jr. as Kathy Wendler restored the Southwest Detroit Business Association bringing it to independence from the Detroit Chamber of Commerce. Irwin was an active board member and membership committee chairperson for 17 years retiring in 2010. In 2008 Irwin headed the Executive Team committed to establishing Michigan’s first Business Improvement District (BID). Irwin presented the BID plan to Detroit City Council and got it approved. Irwin crafted and negotiated the crucial compromise with BID property owners who would otherwise have sued to stop the BID. Irwin was the President of the BID in it’s first two years. Irwin is currently the General Manager of Danto Furniture whose retail roots in Southwest Detroit go back to the year 1940 some 85 years ago.