A New Day Has Begun

Two important things occured in the special election on May 5, 2009. Of the 15% of registered voters, it was clear that the Detroiters who really care about this city don't want anymore of the same. We just got rid of one arrogant mayor, who put himself above the interest of the city--we didn't need another one with Ken Cockrel Jr. And while I question what Mayor-elect Dave Bing can accomplish in the short seven month stint of his term, his election to office still signifies the change Detroiters need and want.

The second important occurence in the special elections is the decision to revise the city charter. Who will revise is it, I'm not sure. But the fact that it's going to be revised is a great start. One of the first revisions should be an amendment to this entire special election process. If there is 18 months or less for the vacating mayoral position, then the interim mayor should serve the rest of the term. That makes a lot more sense than spending all of the money that has been spent so someone can be in office for a little over 6 months, only to have to run again for a full term.

While the process has been crazy, it's well worth it for a new leader of the city to have emerged. Having fresh blood take the reins of the city gives Detroiters hope that we will finally move in the direction that the well-intentioned, but entirely too arrogant and immature, former Mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick envisioned for our city.

Now we can look forward to the major election in November and get a clean slate on City Counsel.