Mock Campaign Sign Gets Laughs At Politics Panel

BIRMINGHAM (WWJ) - A meeting of the so-called "Big Four" metro Detroit leaders is known to draw a crowd, but it was an unexpected sign that stole the show at the latest installment of Pancakes and Politics, Thursday in Birmingham.

Eyes were trained on two of the honored guests: Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano -- after Bing announced this week he won't seek re-election, but will examine other political options including the office of Wayne County Executive.

Known for his edgy sense of humor, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson's tongue-in-cheek campaign sign promoting a potential Bing run got some laughs. "Vote early; Vote often," it read.

So, what thoughts ran through Ficano's mind when he heard Bing might be after his job?

"Well, there is an opening for the Pistons job, too, I'm sure he's qualified for," Ficano joked about the mayor, who is a former basketball star. "Dave and I have always gotten along. He's worked very hard for the city and we still have another year before even the filing deadline.

"So, we're focusing on Wayne County the same as he's focusing on the city of Detroit," he said.

Bing said he and Ficano have been friends for a long time, stressing that he never actually said he wanted the county position.

"I've got six and a half month's left [as Mayor] so I've got a lot of things that I've got to focus on," said Bing, who would not address rumors that he might run for governor.