Detroit Mayor To Speak On 'State Of The City'
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - What's the state of the city?
Many in Michigan have a pretty good idea, but Detroit Mayor Dave Bing will be delivering his official message on the topic Wednesday evening.
DOWNLOAD Mayor Bing's 2013 State of the City Address (pdf)
What are Detroiters biggest concerns as they await Bing's fourth State of the City address?
One man talking to WWJ Newsradio 950's Ron Dewey said Detroit is in "financial shambles."[Mayor Bing] and City Council have got to get together and work this out. They've just been at odds for years and they've got to work it out," he said.
Another Detroiter said the state of the city seems to be improving, with more jobs and residents coming to downtown. However, she said Detroit is "in trouble" and better leadership may be needed to get the city back on its feet.
"We're in debt, need to get out -- and hopefully they mayor can do something about it, get us up out of here. And we just need to get a new mayor," she said. "It's a beautiful place to live, but we're just in trouble money-wise."
Detroit City Councilman Ken Cockrel said he'll be listening for two things.
"[We] gotta' lay out a framework how Detroit city government -- on its own -- can fix the city's financial crisis. Or, failing that, concede that the problems are too big and set the stage for an [Emergency Manager]," Cockrel said. "And that may be bold and serious statement but, there are only two things the mayor can do, in my view, and I think he's got to do one of those."
The 7 p.m. speech will be held at the Detroit School of Arts. The city faces a budget deficit of more than $300 million and has struggled with cash flow problems, declining property taxes, and other revenue issues.
A state-appointed review team has been looking into the city's finances and is expected to give its report to Gov. Rick Snyder soon to determine whether an emergency manager is needed.
WWJ has been told the speech will include an update on the city's financial situation. The city's deficit is expected to be more than 300-million dollars. However, the latest prediction is there may be a six-million dollar surplus this year.
In addition, the mayor is expected to report on the progress of his restructuring plan and crime reduction initiatives. The city recorded just over 400 murders last year.
The speech will also include details of a new blight elimination strategy and an update on business investment and development in the City.
Hear the State of the City live on WWJ Newsradio 950 and here at CBSDetroit.com.
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
