Why I can't vote for Cockrel

[lilpup]

My guess is Cockrel has had to backtrack on some of what he wanted to do thanks to the City's economic situation, e.g. it's great to say get rid in the incinerator, but there are expenses attached to that idea that the City can't afford. There are other ways to start "going green" first that a lot less expensive up front and money saving in the long run. Balances have to be struck.

[E hemingway]

I agree that balances have to be struck, but the Lafayette building situation makes me think that he isn't interested in striking balances, doing the best thing fiscally or even listening to the average voter anymore. It really was the straw that broke this camel's back.

[firstandten]

I can see where lilpup is coming from . You can make promises and you would think that as a councilperson Cockrel would know the meat and potatoes of most issues, but until you actually get in the office and look at the books you just aren't sure. What complicates the issue this time is that Cockrel would be creating political suicide if he were completely transparent about how bad things are.

Thats another reason why this charter must be revised, we never need these many elections in this short of time span ever again.

[firstandten]

Crumbled, I like fast snails
A choice between two flawed candidates, pick your poison

Not sure when the debates are but hopefully we could do without the peanut gallery and just have the two candidates.

[AQCE]

Bing and Cockrel are to debate April 15 at the Detroit Economic Club and live April 23 on WXYZ-TV [[Channel 7).

[Locke09]

I would like to sit this election out, but can't bring myself to do it. So, I will probably vote for Cockrel, only because Detroit does not need another transistion and then another one in 7 months. I say that because I have zero confidence in Bing as mayor.

I hope for better choices in the August primary.

Speaking to the City's financial problems, no politician yet has had the courage to do what really needs to be done: identify the core services citizens/businesses require and fund them properly. Everything else become a wish list and is only funded if there is anything left over.

Right now, the city is trying to maintain everything so the funds are spread too thinly, nothing is done well and deficits continue. But, who is going to close down the Neighborhood City Halls [[they are nice but not essential)? Who is going to ensure there is good public transportation, then keep just a few of the rec centers open, closing down the rest, because now people would be able to get to them? Who is going to say we don't have to have a Human Rights Department? Who is going to say it makes sense to charge a small fee for cars going onto Belle Isle?

I didn't even like typing any of that, so I don't expect a politician to promote any of it.

[Gistok]

... unfortunately one of the reasons I want Cockrel back as Council President is that it's become a loose cannon without him [[granted there have always been some loose cannons on council). Just today one of the major news items has been the fracuss between Monica "Wacko" Conyers and Sheila Cockrel.

[E hemingway]

Today's stay of execution was a pleasant surprise. I'll give Cockrel a little credit for at least listening to the preservationists for the moment. Hopefully, he can build on this action, but I am not holding my breath.

[Bearinabox]

My guess is Cockrel has had to backtrack on some of what he wanted to do thanks to the City's economic situation, e.g. it's great to say get rid in the incinerator, but there are expenses attached to that idea that the City can't afford. There are other ways to start "going green" first that a lot less expensive up front and money saving in the long run. Balances have to be struck.

Or else the Powers that Be got to him and made it clear that he is not in charge around here.