Now that the special mayoral election is over, Detroiters can move forward. Mayor Bing won on the axiom that it was time for a change. We were told failed leadership has landed us in the predicament that we’re in. It’s an interesting statement coming from someone who promised change.

A funny thing happened on the way to City Hall: Mayor Bing announced his transition team that was filled with a cast of characters from past administrations. Several key players including Norman White and Charles Beckham came from the much maligned Kilpatrick administration. It is amazing to me that change includes previous officials that contributed to the current mess that we’re in.

During the election, Mayor Bing accused then Mayor Cockrel of surrounding himself with questionable people namely his chief of staff,  who caught on tape accepting a bribe. Now, how is it fair to accuse  Mr. Cockrel of bad judgment, when the administration has hired a known felon like Charles Beckham? Yes, he has paid his dues to society. If he was anyone else, he would not be able to get this job.

My concern with this administration is the hypocrisy that is surrounding it. If so many well known names are part of this team, then where is the change? How about our new mayor cleans house and hires people with no previous ties to city government. This would be real change. Unfortunately, it is a pipe dream. I sincerely hope that Mayor Bing’s choices are correct because, if not, then the citizens of Detroit will pay the price for business as usual in the City of Detroit.

Author: Nicole Davis