Benny Napoleon Officially Enters Detroit Mayor's Race

DETROIT (WWJ) Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon has officially filed petitions to have his name on the ballot for mayor of Detroit.

Excited supporters cheered as he filed the paperwork.

"They'll only let me file 1,000 (signatures) but I have over 10 (thousand)," Napoleon said. "We scrubbed them to make sure that the ones we're filing are all accurate and legitimate so that we're certain we will survive the screening process ...  I have a great amount of support in the community, it's been demonstrated clearly, I have overwhelming endorsement of the labor community and the ecumenical community across the nomination lines. We're doing very well."

Napoleon said he'll run a three-pronged campaign.

"We've talked to folks throughout the community, they want economic development, they want the place cleaned up, they're concerned about educating our children," Napoleon said.

He added: "Most importantly, none of that matters if we're not safe."

Napoleon and former prosecutor and Detroit Medical Center CEO Mike Duggan are considered front-runners for the mayor's job -- though incumbent Dave Bing hasn't announced yet whether he'll run to retain his seat.

Candidates have until Tuesday to file nomination forms.