In my opinion it is clear that without state intervention Detroit’s only other alternative would be to declare bankruptcy. Also, the beleaguered city cannot expect any aid while continuing to do business as usual. Residents of the city should demand that the current administration not seek reelection so that a clean slate of politicians can be installed to help revive Detroit, though that might not be possible. 

Race is definitely a component of Detroit’s problems. In my opinion it is not the primary reason for the city’s troubles. As seen in many African nations one party rule breeds corruption, inefficiency and cronyism. The ruling political party enacts laws that will solidify its support among voters. Normally this requires the government to eventually become the largest employer, spend excessively on social programs and to end private (enterprise) competition that breeds dissent and opposition. I believe that Democrat Party politics have slowly strangled Detroit’s vitality and ruined its finances. The urban Democrat Party engages in too much deficient spending. For years the Motor City has spent money it simply did not have.

It just so happens that this city’s Democratic politicians happen to be black. The Governor who is white and a Republic understands that Detroit’s financial mess will never be resolved voluntarily by those who are or will come into power. Most commentators believe that Detroit’s problems lie with its citizenry that continues to support and encourage fiscal irresponsibility while tolerating widespread corruption. Detroit needs a change that will only happen with more diversity in every aspect of city government.

It might come as a surprise to some but many commentators believe that Detroit’s predominantly black population is open to electing a white mayor. According to a statewide survey conducted in 2012 more than 50% of Detroit’s black residents said they would vote for a qualified white candidate. Yet most whites statewide believe that Detroit residents will never elect a non-black mayor. The last white who served as mayor was Roman Gibbs who left office in 1974. Coleman A. Young, a black, took over the office from him and held it for 20 years.

Mike Duggan, a former Wayne County Prosecutor and the current CEO of the Detroit Medical Center, has thrown his hat into the upcoming mayoral race. He is said to be a solid political organizer, has established himself in the metropolitan community and has done some interesting things for the city. Duggan happens to be white. I think the City of Detroit needs his candidacy if nothing more than to foster a change in the status quo mentality of the city’s residents. Actually I hope he remains in the election and ultimately wins the race. In my opinion the election needs diversity if the electorate will have chance to vote for change from “politics as usual.”

On March 14, 2013 the Michigan Governor announced his selection as EFM for Detroit. He and the state board hired Kevyn Orr, a restructuring expert with the prestigious law firm of Jones Day, at an annual salary of $275,000. Gov. Snyder expressed confidence in Mr. Orr despite his own personal financial difficulties. Mr. Orr, who is black, stated that he appreciated the enormity of the job at hand.

It did not come as a surprise to me that members Detroit’s political elite would denounce the appointment of the EFM, regardless of the skin color of the appointee. City Council members threatened to sue. Prominent law firms attacked the appointment as having circumvented proper procedure. Yet, the fact the Rev. Jessie Jackson held a news conference and stated that he intends to file suit to block the appointment did surprised me. Jackson stated that the EFM would render Detroit “a plantation-ocracy replacing democracy” He called for demonstrations against the appointment. The audience applauded Jackson’s words and agreed with his sentiments. At no time did Rev. Jackson ever allude to the reasons why the Gov. Snyder had decided to appoint the EFM. Maybe Rev. Jackson felt constraint not to mention Detroit’s corruption scandals and mismanagement due to his son’s recent legal problems. Regardless, Rev. Jackson framed his entire dialogue around the perceived or imagined issue of racial discrimination.

I have no doubt that the EFM will discharge his duties in a professional and competent manner. The city’s finances will eventually be brought under control. The question that Detroit residents must answer is where they go from here. It is an error to blame racism for the Motor City’s many problems. Population diversity offers a high decree of social and economic stability. A mixed demographic base allows for checks and balances on politicians and community leaders. Unfortunately I do not think that the Detroit community can change its collective mentality of distrust and profound sense of lost hope.