  Zulu_warrior Member Username: Zulu_warrior Post Number: 3573 Registered: 10-2003 |
After the resignation of Mayor Kilpatrick as apart of the text messaging scandal, the polity of Detroit is seeking a new Mayor to fill out the rest of Mayor Kilpatrick's term. This term ends December 31, 2009. A special primary election will be held February 24, 2009 and then the top two will advance to a general election run off on May 5, 2009. To compound this special election is the notion that there will also be a regular election in 2009 with a primary in September 2009 and a general in November 2009. There will be four elections for mayor in 2009. So many questions arise from this scenario- Who will win the special mayoral election? Will that person have enough to win out over the 4 elections to be come mayor for the next 4 years? Will their be an impact as the regions political economy is in an abysmal shape with the imminent crisis in the Auto industry? With the political change in Washington and the Democrats winning major elections what will this mean for the Detroit Mayoral Race? While we will answer many these items in due course, it is important to look at the candidates for this office, their strengths and weaknesses, and possible outcomes as we gear up for 2009. For purposes of these discussions, we will focus on the major contenders who have name recognition for this office. Ken Cockrel As the sitting mayor, due to the abdication of the mayoral seat by Kilpatrick, Ken Cockrel gains an advantage that he has previously not enjoyed- a large apparatus of appointees to due his bidding. Ken Cockrel has consistently performed well at the polls, and has earned the top spot on the City Council with strong showings in each election. Indeed he was the top vote getter in the last election, even above Kilpatrick. He is a favorite among various sectors of the city, particularly with elements of the non-profit community as he has enjoyed their support. He also has had consistency with seniors who remember his father and approve of Ken Jr.’s approach to Council- pragmatic, non-ostentatious, and diligent in responding to citizen needs and request. He has also enjoyed union support in most of his elections. But this is no ordinary election, and some of the weakness that comes into play for him center on his new role being King of the Hill. He has now a set of mayoral appointees, but many are holdovers from the last administration. Will they be loyal to him and campaign with zeal, or will they go through the motions and have ties into other camps? He also now has the bully pulpit as mayor, but he must walk the line now. Indeed his biggest challenge will be to balance the act of governing and campaigning. How do I learn to do these when I am just getting used to the administrative side of government? While many would agree that he has experience and knowledge of issues affecting Detroit governance, Council members, by virtue of the City Charter is woefully devoid of information that affects service delivery. The budget discussions that council members have really are discussions of capacity and priority, while the administration is dealing with logistics and emergent issues. Thus the learning curve is great for Cockrel’s journey, one that will be eye opening as to the mechanics of administrative governance. He also has another challenge- media scrutiny at a more intense level. Honest mistakes become front page news for mayors, and major mistakes become headlines for days. A public image must invoke confidence, progress, and integrity for Detroit’s next mayor. The perjury investigation of Mayor Cockrel by Mike Cox regarding his campaign finance reports are an example of this challenge for Mr. Cockrel. Whether an honest mistake or not, it has impacted with some Detroiters enough not to choose Cockrel in the Mayors race. This is the wrong news for a person who needs an image boost, or at least not to have diminished the image that has been attained. Lastly, the Council, having its own issues of public perception and confidence, will affect Mr. Cockrel as well. Especially since he has to deal with them and has just been among their ranks. There are those who believe that Ken Cockrel as Council president, but not mayor, is still the way to go, while others feel that the entire council, including him, need to leave. Mr. Cockrel has a shot at the run off in May, but he must have a game changer at this point, something that will distinguish him from the other candidates in a positive light. Many people like Mr. Cockrel, but he needs more than that to garner a spot in the run off. He needs positive press in February as voters make up their minds. It is not out of his reach, but there are things that are not quite yet in his grasp. Next up: Nicholas Hood. | ||
Andylinn Member Username: Andylinn Post Number: 1104 Registered: 04-2006 |
In my opinion, if either Cockrel, Hendrix, or Bing did NOT win, it would be a HUGE upset... | ||
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway Post Number: 1880 Registered: 11-2004 |
You forgot to add how Sludgegate will affect his chances. Remember his chief of staff resigned because of it and that could easily come back to bite him during the election. The Feds hold a lot of cards in this situation. | ||
Detourdetroit Member Username: Detourdetroit Post Number: 444 Registered: 10-2003 |
next year's neverending mayoral election will be a hot mess. it's such a waste of time/money at such a critical juncture. poor detroit! | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 6500 Registered: 10-2003 |
I would hope that in a city as large as Detroit with such a diverse amount of different movements, one would take up looking at, and requesting the change of, this specific part of the charter. | ||
Gnome Member Username: Gnome Post Number: 2204 Registered: 08-2007 |
Zulu, that was a very well-written and thoughtful synopsis of the Cockrel campaign. I dare say it is, by far, a more superior piece of writing and thinking than I've read in any of the dailies. I look forward to your take on a possible Mayor Hood. | ||
Jacqueline Member Username: Jacqueline Post Number: 15 Registered: 08-2008 |
Issues Affecting Cockrel’s Mayoral Chances: Campaign finances; nondisclosure of contributions received for high profile parties paid for by businesses; after 11 years on Council lacks knowledge of administrative procedures; supported Kilpatrick leanings 90% of the time when on Council; did not call for Kilpatrick’s resignation until the Detroit Free Press broke the story of the $8.4 million lawsuit; the City’s $200 million debt was incurred under Cockrel’s not so watchful eye; the Tunnel Deal – The Tunnel is one of the few revenue producing assets the City has. The sale of the Tunnel means a short- term gain for a long-term problem. If this deal goes through, the City will have to face the loss of this revenue in the next fiscal year; Consensus Builder – Is this the mark of a leader; business friendly – helps with downtown development but does nothing for the neighborhoods; was pursuing the money Mike Ilitch received from the city for maintenance of historic Tiger Stadium – I have not heard the results of Cockrel’s investigation; Kim Cockrel was laid off from her job as a school teacher and immediately went to work for the DMC whose CEO is Conrad Mallett, a member of Kilpatrick’s transition team in 2001. As Ken Cockrel’s Campaign Manager, has Ms. Cockrel taken an unpaid leave of absence from her position at the DMC? When Cockrel became interim mayor, most expected him to hit the ground running, but this has not happened. He has made good appointment choices and he has saved the City $2 million dollars by letting a couple of investment firms go, but I do not see that he has accomplished anything else, nor I do not see the leadership skills essential to putting the City on the right track. The “business as usual” saga continues. Psychological Profile of Ken Cockrel The Detroit News, October 27, 2008 "From what I've seen and heard, he is seriously overrated. I don't think he is as alert or aware as we had hoped he would be. He did not make a strong impression as president of the council. He was there, but not an impressive figure, and his role as mayor has been equally unimpressive. His platform is vague, and it's not clear what he's standing for. Anyone can cut ribbons and pat kids on the head. He says people will trust this administration, and the first thing we hear brings on a lack of trust. On the good side, he has made some excellent appointment choices. That says someone is telling him he needs to surround himself with competence." Patricia Wallace – Southfield Psychologist Quote from George Santayana: Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it. | ||
Zulu_warrior Member Username: Zulu_warrior Post Number: 3575 Registered: 10-2003 |
The Rev. Nicholas Hood is a candidate for the office of Mayor of the City of Detroit. He is pastor of the Plymouth United Church of Christ, a long time prominent church located on Warren Avenue near 1-75. A former Detroit City Councilman and previous candidate for mayor, Rev. Hood is no stranger to Detroit politics. Rev. Hood comes from a prominent Detroit family, that has had several members in the political arena. His wife Denise Paige Hood is a federal judge for the eastern District of Michigan. His father,The Rev. Nicholas Hood Sr., was elected a Detroit City Councilman in 1965 and served for 28 years in this capacity, retiring as President Pro Tempore in 1992. Three generations of Hood men, including the candidate himself, are Yale graduates. The family is highly educated and their pedigree is without question. There have been numerous contributions that this family has made to the progress of Detroit-low income housing; serving on various boards, committees, and commission; leadership in the ecumenical community, and elected and appointive leadership in Detroit City Government. Many consider them cornerstones in the Detroit political community. But since only one is running, we shall focus on him. Rev. Hood enjoys many advantages in this race: name recognition, experience in city government, and an extensive political network, fostered over many decades. He also enjoys a good reputation, one laden with integrity and straight forwardness. He also enjoys the national political and community based network of the United Church of Christ, which has had a bent toward encouraging political and community involvement. Two of its other churches have notoriety- Fellowship Chapel in Detroit, where NAACP President Wendell Anthony is the Pastor, and Trinity United Church of Christ, where its former Pastor, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright was the pastor, and President Elect Barack Obama was a former member. Sometimes the line between politics and religion can be a tie bar with advantages. However, there are draw backs here as well. Some Detroit voters, and some Americans in general, do believe in the strict separation of church and state, and do not prefer clergy in elected office. While it hasnt hampered Rev. Hood from becoming a councilman, it may be a minor factor in his second candidacy for mayor. In some corners, he is considered too genteel, too mild mannered for the office. This is however, a side bar to the real challenge that he has. He has front loaded his campaign with many billboards across the city, including buses on main streets. This is an expensive venture especially during the holiday season. He hopefully has more resources to seal the deal. Because while people see him, and know him, many do not feel him as their next mayor. He must connect at a emotional level with something that resonates with the electorate. What that will be, heaven only knows. But messaging is increasingly more important in this campaign and while he has promotion and pedigree, he doesnt have presence and a purposeful message at this point. It may be that his calm, rational approach to governance could mirror the No Drama Obama idea for some, but Hood must make this connection. He also must be careful, as some previous Kilpatrick supporters are backers of his, which may not sit well in all corners these days. We shall see if his messaging gets more stronger and more resonant in the months ahead. One of his endearing legacies has been his “Ring in The New Year With A Bell, Not A Bang” campaign to decrease deaths on New Years by random stray bullets. This campaign provides the perfect analogy for Rev. Hood's mayoral campaign. He doesnt need a bang for his campaign- no glitz and glamour are needed. But he does need a bell- a clear sounding message to be heard above the cacophany of the other candidates. Perhaps he will find a tintinnabulator within in time for the new year... Next up: Sharon McPhail (Message edited by Zulu warrior on December 06, 2008) | ||
Detourdetroit Member Username: Detourdetroit Post Number: 447 Registered: 10-2003 |
thanks for your thoughtful analysis zulu. these ARE very well done. looking forward to the next | ||
Bragaboutme Member Username: Bragaboutme Post Number: 576 Registered: 02-2008 |
I agree, very well done. | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 8011 Registered: 02-2004 |
KEN COCKEREL for Mayor of Detroit. | ||
Townonenorth Member Username: Townonenorth Post Number: 455 Registered: 10-2007 |
Looking forward to the rest of these ZW. Too bad that the psychologist mentioned above in Jacqueline's post didn't do a profile on the rest of the candidates. That would be interesting. | ||
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway Post Number: 1881 Registered: 11-2004 |
Hood's media strategy has been lackluster so far. Some of his slogans (Love you can feel) are laughable. His website is amateurish. I also didn't know he was Yale graduate or how extensive his family's history is with Detroit politics until I read Zulu's analysis, which is top-shelf yet again. His people need to do a better job of educating the public about their candidate. And to top it off his people weren't able to score him a seat in the last mayoral debate that featured the top mayoral candidates of Cockrell, Hendrix and Bing. These aren't major mistakes. They can be overcome. However, if Hood's campaign keeps them up Hood will be regulated to the second tier and essentially out of the running. (Message edited by E_hemingway on December 07, 2008) | ||
Ct_alum Member Username: Ct_alum Post Number: 39 Registered: 10-2008 |
I, for one am a firm believer in the separation of church and state - No "pulpit pimps" for me, thank you very much. Admittedly, that is a little harsh as far as Mr. Hood is concerned but it is a slippery slope. Also, anyone with a single Kilpatrick supporter on their staff is automatically excluded. The past 7 years must be firmly repudiated. BTW, excellent analysis, Zulu; although a little pro-Hood bias is evident- But you're certainly entitled to your opinion (as am I). | ||
Jacqueline Member Username: Jacqueline Post Number: 16 Registered: 08-2008 |
I too believe in the separation of church and state. An interesting article by The Center for Urban Studies at WSU printed in 2001, “The Black Church Culture and Politics in the City of Detroit 2001” can be found at: http://www.cus.wayne.edu/conte nt/publications/BlackChurches. pdf | ||
Zulu_warrior Member Username: Zulu_warrior Post Number: 3576 Registered: 10-2003 |
Sharon McPhail Atty. Sharon McPhail is again a candidate for Mayor of Detroit. This is her third try for the office, running against Dennis Archer and Kwame Kilpatrick in previous attempts. In fact she was the run off competitor of Mayor Archer when he was elected to his first term. She has been the only woman to be in the finals for the office of Detroit's mayor. She was elected to the Detroit City Council and was a staunch ally of the late Maryann Mahaffey while a member of Detroit's Legislative Body. In the realm of the law, she has been somewhat of shooting star. Past president of the Wolverine Bar Association, President of the National Bar Association, VP of the Detroit NAACP, A Detroit Police Commissioner, Special assistant for US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Wayne County Corporation Counsel, Detroit; Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, chief of screening and district courts, and board of directors of Federal Bar Association; She has also worked for several prominent law firms here in Detroit. She is certainly no shrinking violet in the legal arena. One of the more unknown facts about Ms. McPhail is her passion for the poor and underprivileged. She has constant activity in the homeless community, and with the victims of fraud and identity theft. She truly has had consistency in this area, but it is not widely known. What is more widely known is her sometimes mercurial, if not downright head scratching political pirouettes. She was against KK, called him “a thug”, and said he tried to kill her through electrocution and winds up on his core team. Indeed defending him to the last, she was a central figure in his political demise- both as an definer of his style that branded him as a thug, and as the chief defender of him in his forfeiture trial with the governor. This quandary has left many of her supporters astounded, and indeed perplexed. She has enjoyed great support among the women of Detroit’s electorate in the past, but this has dissipated in the Kilpatrick cauldron. “You Go Girl!”, her slogan in the general election against Archer, has devolved into “Girl, please….” among her previous women supporters. Still, Ms. McPhail has a great knack for contributing to the public discourse, and although she probably cannot win this election, she can make a contribution by being an attacker of other candidates and shaping their images. Indeed her critiques of Hendrix assisted the Kilpatrick team in securing a victory in the last general election. So she may yet play the spoiler for some candidate, or she may become a strategic partner of a successful one. While some may consider her endorsement an anathema, Sharon McPhail has gotten the most votes with the least amount of money in her elections. She is a cagey veteran of this political drama, and she yet may contribute a verse……. Next Up: Warren Evans (Message edited by zulu warrior on December 09, 2008) | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 1231 Registered: 11-2003 |
quote:How funny and how true. If Ms. McPhail had immediately resigned her counsel to the mayor position last January when she and the rest of us learned of the Kilpatrick corruption, she might have been able to parlay an integrity angle into frontrunner status in the election. It was beyond foolish for her to stick with Mr. Kilpatrick. However, it was instructive for us because Ms. McPhail confirmed many times in recent months that she lacks the levelheaded judgment that the job of mayor demands. She's the polar opposite of Nick Hood in that regard. | ||
Lowell Moderator Username: Lowell Post Number: 5201 Registered: 09-2003 |
Great stuff Zulu, keep it coming! There is good field of competent candidates running. Is there any method to the order in which you are presenting the line up? | ||
East_detroit Member Username: East_detroit Post Number: 2326 Registered: 11-2003 |
I am going to guess that Bing will show up last. | ||
Zulu_warrior Member Username: Zulu_warrior Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2003 |
Warren Evans Wayne County Sherriff Warren Evans has tossed his hat into the ring to fill the spot vacated by Kwame Kilpatrick. As a law enforcement officer, Sherriff Evans has risen to the top of his game, with nearly 40 years experience in the department. He has held every rank in the department from Deputy to Sheriff, and has expanded the territory of the Sherriff’s office to deal with internet crime and regional transportation protection. While the traditional role of the sheriff is to run the jails and to be the enforcement officer in the court, we find the Wayne County Sherriff developing multi agency task forces, directing major Homeland Security efforts in the county, and actually policing communities in Wayne County. One must understand that police work and sheriff’s work have in the past been very separate and distinct acts, with the former busting the bad guys and the latter jailing them till they were adjudicated. These lines are being redrawn daily in Wayne County especially as Evans assists communities that have ever shrinking budgets and consider consolidation with other neighboring departments. Sherriff Evans would, in fact, be an excellent candidate for a regional government with his diverse experiences. When metro Detroit eventually gets there, a person with Sheriff Evans’ back ground would be an great position to lead regionally. But since we are dealing with the city of Detroit, we must look at the electorate within the confines of the 143 square miles in its limits. He is certainly a vote getter for the sheriff’s elections and has been elected regularly since occupying the office in 2003. This has come with a strong showing in the Detroit precincts in each election. A former member of the Shrine of the Black Madonna, Sherriff Evans springs from the well that has produced many of Detroit's political establishment. He will be a natural home for some of the 20% of Detroiters who still supported the Kilpatrick team as well as the voting public safety community. He is well connected, and is a favorite among more aspects of the community than one might first imagine. Because of his long record of service in law enforcement, he is found acceptable by many. A challenge for him will be his ability to communicate a message above the public safety discussion. While certainly crime and safety are number one issues in Detroit, Evans must transcend that discussion and engage the voters emotionally. People have a matter of fact attitude about Evans, sort of a taken-for-granted perspective that is neither dismissive nor aggrandizing of him…yet it does not have him set as a paragon of Detroit’s executive leadership. It may be that Evans successes as Sherriff is the very thing that makes people say “He needs to stay there, and not be Mayor”. An interesting twist is that he, Mr. Cockrel, and Coleman Young, Jr. are the three current locally elected officials in the race and as such, much of the debate about them is focused on whether they should stay in their current jobs. The voters of Detroit and Wayne County have answered yes to that question for Warren Evans, as he just received a lion’s share of the votes last month during his re-election bid. For them to vote to put him in another office may be too far of a leap for some, especially as he doesn’t have long to build his case for the Mayor’s office. All in all, Sherriff Evans is not to be discounted, as he is one of the few proven vote getters in the race. With good planning, he has a fair shot of making the run off, but he must find a way to demonstrate his leadership abilities that warms to the voter, in the heart of a cold winter. Next up: Freman Hendrix | ||
Ct_alum Member Username: Ct_alum Post Number: 46 Registered: 10-2008 |
Zulu: You forgot to mention the contracts he and his brother held for the pay phones at the jail (no conflict there!), his initial refusal to back his Deputy when he was assaulted by Kwame (he waited to see which way the political wind was blowing), and the fact that his daughter worked for Kwame until the aforementioned assault. He is another product of the corrupt McNamara Machine and anybody with an ounce of integrity should run when they see him comming. Remember, this is the guy who let Kwame's "boy" Bobby Ferguson come back from his weekend work releases whenever he wanted to (i.e., late) and drunk to boot.....the fact that he was married to Ella the Bully would also place his judgement in question. | ||
Jacqueline Member Username: Jacqueline Post Number: 18 Registered: 08-2008 |
Zulu: Your analysis of the candidates for Mayor have been informative. When can we expect one for Hendrix? I recently attended a candidates debate which both Hood and Evans attended. I didn't hear anything that would lead me to believe they could lead Detroit out of its present crisis. Leadership qualities, honesty and integrity are big issues for me and with their connection to Kilpatrick, neither would get my vote. | ||
Fnemecek Member Username: Fnemecek Post Number: 1848 Registered: 12-2004 |
quote: I can sum all of that up much more succinctly: Ken Cockrel simply doesn't have the work ethic required to be Mayor of Detroit. Zulu: Glad to see you opining on all of the candidates. | ||
Zulu_warrior Member Username: Zulu_warrior Post Number: 1234 Registered: 10-2003 |
Freman Hendrix Freman Hendrix is again offering himself to be the Mayor of Detroit. After his attempt in 2005, Hendrix is back campaigning to lead the city of Detroit into the second decade of the 21st century. Hendrix has a long and substantial resume in politics and governance: started in the City of Detroit Finance Department to rise to Deputy Mayor under Dennis Archer; Chair of the appointed of the Detroit School Board; spent time in Wayne County as Director of Community Development and Assistant County Executive under McNamara, and most recently worked as Chief of Government Relations and Special Projects for Eastern Michigan University. In between these public sector positions, Hendrix spent time as COO of Strategic Staffing Solutions overseeing a multi-state operation relating to IT needs and staffing needs. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Beyond these items he has been a long time active component in the Grandmont/Rosedale Community Association in the area which he lives. Politically speaking, he is probably the most connected candidate in the field, having coordinated Dennis Archer’s campaign with David Axelrod, who is to be Senior White House Advisor to President-Elect Barak Obama. A Democrat with many party credentials, Hendrix was voted an elector to the Electoral College from Michigan and cast a vote for Al Gore in 2000. Hendrix enjoys an electorate that is familiar with his name, and many supporters that feel he was somehow cheated from the last election against Kwame Kilpatrick. He indeed garnered 47% of that election, which gives him an advantage in this special election. Given the number of voters likely to show in the February 25th primary, this base of voters may provide a block of support other credible candidates may not be able to outpace. He also has a campaign team still with him from the last election and support within the various unions that may help with the get out the vote efforts. Still, Hendrix has some big challenges. The Kilpatrick core vote will have to go somewhere, which at one point was 53% of voters, but had dwindled down to about 25% during the Text Messaging scandal. Many people are still upset at his role in the appointed school board, where he ordered guards to remove angry citizens who would not be silent during a board meeting. Still others were not enamored with the Archer Administration, which he will receive criticism for. While some may see him as seemingly qualified and knowledgeable, some have reservations about closure and his ability to seal the deal. The back lash from Kilpatrick supporters against those who supported Hendrix was quite brutal and harsh. Many may not be willing to go out on a limb for him again. Then there is money. In this recession, campaign contributions are hard to come by and quite frankly, there are others in the race that have better leverage to raise these dollars. Ken Cockrel has the office of Mayor until at least May, Warren Evans has the Sheriff’s office, and then there is Bing, who is a class by himself, financially speaking. He will probably not out spend his opponents, so he will have to out connect them. He will have to rely solely upon his outreach with individuals and groups to get him into the runoff. It is doable for him, but he has to hold his former supporters together and reach new ones. It is most likely that he will be in the final 2 contestants on February 26, the question is really this: will he be the last man standing in May? Next up: Dave Bing (Message edited by Zulu_Warrior on December 17, 2008) | ||
Jacqueline Member Username: Jacqueline Post Number: 19 Registered: 08-2008 |
I believe Hendrix has leadership skills, is honest and has integrity. He possesses the understanding of the interaction of city departments and their role in making city government work efficiently. In a recent debate, he stated that he would reduce city departments from 45 to 25 or 30, he spoke of the importance of revitalizing the neighborhoods, how the Police Department went from 3,000 to 1,900 police officers since 2001, that he would place reservists in the mini-stations which would put trained police officers back on the streets and, among other issues, would form a committee to investigate the corruption in city government. Hendrix comes across as self-confident and assured without being arrogant and will work to make city government efficient, while keeping in mind the concerns of the residents of Detroit. I believe he is the candidate who can regain the confidence of the residents of Michigan, most notably the metro area, and State and Federal Government and can work with the State and Federal Government to bring needed funding to the City of Detroit. Hendrix stated that he did not believe a candidate’s relatives should be a subject of discussion during the campaign. As a rule, I would agree with him, but I believe there is an exception. If a candidates’ relative interjects himself or herself into the campaign, I feel that what that relative does now or has done in the past is subject to scrutiny. Hendrix’ associations are free of the corruption that surrounds many politicians in Detroit, and I believe that all need to feel confident they will be dealing with a Mayor who is ethical and who will devote his time and energy to doing what is right for the citizens of Detroit. | ||
Jacqueline Member Username: Jacqueline Post Number: 20 Registered: 08-2008 |
Question: How did my Username end up being the one who started the thread? Shouldn't it be Zulu? | ||
Lefty2 Member Username: Lefty2 Post Number: 2964 Registered: 07-2007 |
the idiots of detroit will no doubt choose another idiot to run the city. that's just the way it happens. | ||
Bragaboutme Member Username: Bragaboutme Post Number: 578 Registered: 02-2008 |
In the end KK turned out to be an idiot, not Detroiters. KK had the credentials, but failed to keep his foolish tendicies to a minimum. | ||
Pam Member Username: Pam Post Number: 4749 Registered: 11-2005 |
quote: Name shown is the last poster, not the first. | ||
Jacqueline Member Username: Jacqueline Post Number: 21 Registered: 08-2008 |
Thanks. | ||
Zulu_warrior Member Username: Zulu_warrior Post Number: 1237 Registered: 10-2003 |
Dave Bing offers himself to become the next mayor of Detroit. A successful athlete and business man, Dave Bing is a living sports legend. Indeed , he was voted as one of the top 50 NBA players of all time and is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, being an All-Star for 7 seasons, and MVP of the All Star Game in 1976. He preceded Earl “the Pearl” Monroe as rookie of the year and Julius “Dr. J” Ervin as All Star MVP. With such company, he is among the greatest of all time. After his career in the NBA, Bing successfully started Bing Steel, a supplier to the manufacturing industry, including the auto industry. His business savvy led the way for this company to grow from 4 employees in 1980 to 63 employees in 1985. So visible of a success, he was named National Minority Small Business Person of the Year by President Ronald Reagan in that same year. He also started Heritage 21, a construction company to do home renovations. This became a cornerstone of his philosophy of giving back to the Detroit Community. After other ventures, including one with another Piston great, Isaiah Thomas, Bing formed a manufacturing company. His creation of new $2.5 million, 40,000-square-foot plant located in the North Industrial Park, in Detroit's Empowerment Zone, in Detroit's North End.brought more jobs in to Detroit. His business, now known as the Bing Group continues to be quite successful, with near 30 years in business and decent prospects for the future- in spite of the downturn of the auto industry. His committment to the community as a corporate leader is beyond question, as his companies have been strong givers to the non-profit sector. Some 17 organizations receive ongoing support from his businesses and many others receive intermittent funding. The corporate responsibility of his business organization is truly stellar. But now, Dave Bing seeks a political office and highly visible one in the Mayorship of Detroit. So his evaluation goes from being one of a star athlete or successful business leader to a political figure. In this area, not much is not known of his political leanings or tendencies. He has been known to have had close associations with Democrats (dennis Archer, Kwame Kilpatrick, Coleman Young) and Republicans (Peter Karmanos, Paul Hillegonds, Bob Thompson). His recent donations have primarily been to Democrats, which is a good thing in largely Democratic Detroit. His support for Bob Thompson and the expansion of charter schools in 2005 was not received well by the Detroit Federation of Teachers and others who feel charter schools ultimately take away from public education. His recent call for former Mayor Kilpatrick to step down was part of the political demise of the previous administration, and there are reports of retribution by the Kilpatrick clan that were exacted upon Bing. This was seen by some as heroic in the cause to oust Kilpatrick. So will he win? He has a difficult road to travel, as he has just recently re-established a residence in Detroit, making him a carpetbagger to some, while others are fine with it. His name recognition is high and favorable, and he has money to throw at staff and message. But transparency is required of the elected, and not so much of the entrepreneur. So Bing is in a position where the less that people know of him and his potential policies, the better. Many will assume that he will have a pro-business attitude, which may put him at odds with the various unions of city workers. Others may not really know Bing as the sports star, as he was out of the NBA by the mid 70's, and thus he may not have the allure of other sports stars-turned-political figures. People under 45 are not as familiar with him as older voters. Still others, not trusting of his associations may seek other candidates of stronger Democratic personage, as pretty much every other mayoral candidate has stronger Democratic ties. But Bing has a money advantage and less political baggage, which are pluses in this race. In my estimation, he will make the final two- if he can shape a message and work the January TV spike to his advantage. His final challenge will be how he can connect with enough voters and demonstrate knowledge of city policies that can change things. He may be a fresh face to the political scene, but political honeymoons tend to be short in Detroit, especially in these turbulent times. The business of politics and the business of governance are the new frontiers for Dave Bing. They are not one and the same, but they both require mastery. Will he make the political playoffs after February? Dave Bing's basketball career ended in Detroit due to a hold out before the '74-'75 season and a change of ownership that seemingly did not see his value for Detroit's future. In this political environment, Bing must not hold out or hold back on what his value will be to Detroit, but he must take control of this game before the last few minutes, if he is to be a political winner. Never having won an NBA championship, he will have to find a new reserve to be a champion for Detroit. | ||
Downtown_lady Member Username: Downtown_lady Post Number: 481 Registered: 08-2008 |
quote: Hopefully, many will do their homework rather than making this incorrect assumption -- Dave has always been a union supporter, and his company is a UAW shop. | ||
Sparty06 Member Username: Sparty06 Post Number: 175 Registered: 03-2007 |
Good post on Bing but you mention charter schools so quickly only noting what the critics claim and never explaining Bing's ideology of why he felt charter schools would/will increase educational opportunities for Detroit schoolchildren. I think that shows your hand/biases a little bit which so far you've been doing a pretty good job of avoiding. | ||
Jacqueline Member Username: Jacqueline Post Number: 23 Registered: 08-2008 |
My opinion of Bing hasn't changed. One thing to keep in mind when voting for Mayor is that the Mayor can appoint whomever he wants to serve in the Mayor's office and as a Director and Deputy Director. I believe that voters should use the same ethical and moral standards for all elected officials that are applied when electing a President. | ||
Lowell Moderator Username: Lowell Post Number: 2224 Registered: 09-2003 |
bump | ||
Ravine Member Username: Ravine Post Number: 3088 Registered: 01-2006 |
Great job, Zulu. I'm sure there are some omissions, and I figure that you, like everyone else, have some pos/neg biases, but your analyses are well-written, fairly comprehensive (given their relative shortness,) sober-minded and generally even-handed in that you neither seem to be grinding an axe nor pimping for anybody. An excellent contribution to this forum. Thank you. And a quick nod to Lowell for the "bump," which brought my attention to this thread. | ||
Detourdetroit Member Username: Detourdetroit Post Number: 353 Registered: 10-2003 |
yes, thanks again zulu... i'm forwarding this link to several undecided voters. | ||
Fnemecek Member Username: Fnemecek Post Number: 1925 Registered: 12-2004 |
quote: It's interesting that Zulu wrote that back in December. The election is tomorrow and Cockrel still hasn't produced anything close to a game changer. Tomorrow is going to be interesting. | ||
Zulu_warrior Member Username: Zulu_warrior Post Number: 1257 Registered: 10-2003 |
Yes Fnemecek....it is interesting what has transpired since these initial writings. I must thank you, as well...your criticism of some of my earlier Bing comments prompted me to write these pieces in an even handed manner. I wanted to lay out some of the facts evenly, so that more discussion might come forth. I also wanted to see if they might somehow improve some of the candidates campaign tactics- as I feel that some have run poor campaigns. We will see tomorrow.... | ||
Fnemecek Member Username: Fnemecek Post Number: 1926 Registered: 12-2004 |
quote: You're welcome. Kick ass job on the writing, by the way. 30 hours until the polls close. | ||
Firstandten Member Username: Firstandten Post Number: 705 Registered: 05-2006 |
Zulu I notice you said some of the candidates ran a poor campaign. Assuming that Bing and Cockrel make the cut could that have been due to Cockrel having the power of incumbency and Bing having more money than anyone else, more than bad campaigns being run ? | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 4504 Registered: 02-2004 |
Cockerel vs. Bing for mayor. | ||
Bragaboutme Member Username: Bragaboutme Post Number: 615 Registered: 02-2008 |
I think most are waiting till the next election. | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 902 Registered: 11-2003 |
Freman Hendrix' pandering to the Kilpatrick/Conyers' "keep our jewels" crowd got called out by the Free Press on Sunday. http://www.freep.com/article/2 0090222/COL33/902220355/1068/P RINT/Hendrix+plays+politics+on +Cobo In a further rebuke to Mr. Hendrix, City Council's fiscal analyst, Irwin Corley, has provided members with a report that confirms what everybody else is saying about Cobo Center: it is a liability to the city, not an asset. http://www.freep.com/article/2 0090222/COL33/902220355/1068/P RINT/Hendrix+plays+politics+on +Cobo Mr. Hendrix is desperate to make it to the special general election in May and he could not resist selling out to the "us vs. them" crowd. Bad move. He has sacrificed his integrity. He should have kept his mouth shut, and if he finishes third, he would still be fine for another run in August, a mere five months away. If the Cobo deal goes through, and maybe gets some stimulus money, August opponents will have a huge issue to use against him. Here's hoping it does and they do. This kind of pandering politics is killing Detroit. Its practitioners need to leave us and go get a job with Covisint. Heard somewhere that they're hiring. Given the nonsense and pallid leadership ideas from Cockrel/Bing/Hendrix, the two best candidates right now are Warren Evans and Nick Hood. Given the current polls, though, one hopes these two have enough left in the tank for the August regular primary. | ||
Norm Member Username: Norm Post Number: 80 Registered: 08-2005 |
Swingline, did you support Hendrix in 2005? | ||
East_detroit Member Username: East_detroit Post Number: 1984 Registered: 11-2003 |
When the opposition is split, the incumbent wins. | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 904 Registered: 11-2003 |
Yes, Norm, I did. | ||
Zulu_warrior Member Username: Zulu_warrior Post Number: 1259 Registered: 10-2003 |
Firstandten, What I said that you referenced was for that moment in time...i.e. December. If the two candidates you mentioned win through to the primary...then they may have made the needed adjustments to overcome their deficienies... | ||
Norm Member Username: Norm Post Number: 81 Registered: 08-2005 |
Swingline, Thanks for being candid. Hopefully whoever wins can move Detroit forward. I don't quite agree that Hendrix has sacrificed his integrity because he thinks Detroit could have gotten a better outcome in the Cobo deal, but everyone has their own perspective on it. Also, I'm not quite sure if the Cobo expansion would even qualify for the federal stimulus funds; if so, great. |
