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DETROIT -- The election for Mayor reaches its climax, as acting current Mayor Kenneth Cockrel, Jr. and business owner Dave Bing are now the top two candidates running, as the Detroit Economic Club held a debate inside Cobo Center Wednesday. "We're making sacrifices, and we're tightening our belts," states Cockrel. "What's happening to the city of Detroit is happening to our country." Both Cockrel and Bing made their stands on the issues of education, public safety, the city council, President Obama's stimulus package, the economy, the budget, and so forth.

"The media likes to write about people fighting; that's sexy [because it sells papers]," Cockrel said, who also stated that the media give out quick soundbites rather than report the news accurately -- especially when Detroit has been called "a city in crisis".

While both Cockrel and Bing agree that accountability as well as management of public schools -- including the classrooms -- should be the responsibility of the mayor, they have different viewpoints on the Cobo renovation deal. According to Bing, this is "failed leadership" on behalf of Cockrel. "I would have got the necessary votes. I, too, believe that this deal is too important to leave it to chance," the Hall of Fame Piston alumni continues. "We can't afford to lose the deal here. We've got to get everybody back at the table. We are going some problems getting everyone back here because of racism [and politics]. It has to get done, and we need to get everyone back here ASAP."

"We recognize that this issues is not goign to be a slam dunk for the city of Detroit," Cockrel said. "We have chosen to file an appeal to the appeals court. The reality is, we have to preserve the NAIAS. We have to be competitive. I will not give up. We will get it done, one way or another."

However, to Cockrel, this is the year 2009 and we're in "a new era in America" because we have Barack Obama, the first-ever African-American President in the United States; times are changing and the world is slowly adapting to it. "We have to move beyond the old beliefs and convictions. I understand where the mindset comes from. [But] We have to deal with it."

As he plans to diversify the economy, Cockrel hopes to remain on as Mayor for the next four years in accomplishing what he plans to do for Detroit. Electing someone, he paraphrased, isn't based on name recognition (like his father, Kenneth Cockrel, Sr.) but on the homework we've done on the candidates; if we elect a clown, we only have ourselves to blame. He spoke of a quote from the late, great John F. Kennedy: that everyone should be involved in public service, and that is what Cockrel represents.

On the other hand, what does Bing, the business owner, stand for? "We need change. I guess I represent that change. If we want the same old politics, then vote for my opponent. But if you want change in city government, then vote for me May 5th," he answers.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

The mayoral debate was hosted by the Detroit Economic Club and took place inside Cobo Center.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

DEC President & CEO Beth Chappell welcomes everyone to the meeting.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

WJBK-TV Fox 2's Huel Perkins was the moderator of the debate.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

Panelists from left to right: Detroit Free Press Columnist Carolyn Cain, WJR-AM News Director Dick Haefner and Crain's Detroit Business Reporter Nancy Kaffer.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

Mayoral Candidate Dave Bing shakes hands with the panelists.

 

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