Detroit mayor urges council members to act quickly with administration

DETROIT (WXYZ) - After several months of being absent, Detroit’s mayor made his first appearance before city council.

Mayor Dave Bing called upon the city council to act together immediately so that the city can draw down on $80-million in bond money from the state.

“We must take extraordinary measures to push our restructuring effort and agenda forward,” Bing told council members during a Monday afternoon session. “Today, I’m asking you to join me in a unified effort to once again make Detroit a great American city.”

His appearance was welcomed by council members who have complained about a lack of communication from the mayor’s administration.

“I’m glad we’re having this meeting because so often, Mr. Mayor, we either read in the paper (about) things it’d be nice to hear first hand,” said Charles Pugh, council president.

Mayor Bing is asking for council’s approval with six initiatives to attack problems like lighting, transportation and public safety in the city.