http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...ml?ref=detroit

Native Detroiter Andrae Townsel wears many hats: He's in school to get his doctorate in education administration, works as the dean of students at a Washington D.C. public school, raps and even had a stint as a professional football player [[albeit on a Canadian Football League team).

Now, Townsel has a new plan. He's running for mayor of his hometown, he announced Saturday.

The Detroit mayoral race for 2013 hasn't hit full steam yet, but several other candidates have showed interest in the top city position. City Council President Charles Pugh announced earlier this year he would not run for re-election to his current position and is considering a run for mayor, and state Rep. Lisa Howze [[D-Detroit) announced her candidacy in February. Then there's Mike Duggan, CEO of Detroit Medical Center -- while he's confirmed nothing, rumors of a run have been mounting.

For now, Mayor Dave Bing has focused on the work at hand and has not announced his plans for 2013, though he hasn't ruled out seeking a second term.

Compared to other possible candidates, Townsel, who grew up on Detroit's west side and graduated from Cass Technical High School before getting a scholarship to Howard University in D.C., is younger and less immersed in city and state politics. But he argues his passion for his hometown, innovation and leadership abilities will make up for his lack of experience.