Bing Represents Real Hope for Detroit

After a series of elections following the scandal and jailing of Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, former Detroit Piston and NBA Hall of Famer Dave Bing was elected Mayor of Detroit. On November 3rd, Detroiters have an opportunity to re-elect Mayor Bing to a full term as Mayor, a decision they would be very wise to make.

It is no secret to anyone that the city of Detroit has been in decline for now over a half century. After the riots of the 1960s, the grand exodus of the white middle class from the city, the Coleman Young Administration, the decline of the auto-industry, the Kwame fiasco and the win-less season for the Detroit Lions, the leadership of Dave Bing represents real oppertunity for the city of Detroit. While Time magazine is busy writing articles suggesting the future of Detroit rests in the hands of federal energy policy, Bing is on the front lines of a showdown with the city employees unions (who refuse budget cuts) and trying to lift the city out of financial ruin.

Bing, a former CEO of a successful manufacturing company, understands that private sector growth is essential to the city's recovery. He understands that a bloated and inefficient public sector can prevent the private sector from thriving. Bing also understands that repairing a broken relationship with the suburbs is essential for recovery. In many regards, the city needs to the suburbs more than the suburbs need the city. But, as a suburbanite, it is nearly impossible to escape the impact city has on its surrounding communities.

As suburbanites we should treat Detroit with the "tough love" it deserves. We want to city to succeed, simply because we want to entire region to succeed. We want the problems of Detroit to be solved, because the city's problems are effecting suburban communities as well. We want the cities business climate to thrive, so we entertain ourselves there. If we want any oppertunity to see some these things become a reality, we must support leaders who are committed to making serious structural changes. Dave Bing is that type of leader. Detroiters would be wise to re-elect him on Novemeber 3rd.