Detroit Mayor Dave Bing will not run again

69-year-old says he is still eyeing other political opportunities in the area

DETROIT – Detroit Mayor Dave Bing won't run for re-election.

He made the announcement during a press conference Tuesday at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the same day that marked his deadline to file for a second 4-year term.

However, Bing said, he's looking into other political opportunities -- including Wayne County executive.

"I want to continue to work the advancement of this city and this region," Bing said. "The last four years have been challenging. Yet, rewarding. I am pleased with how my administration has moved the needle forward on Detroit's future. We have to make Detroit work for our residents. All roads lead to the same place: A better Detroit, a transformed Detroit. Change has begun."

Bing's tops aides say he keep him guessing just like everyone else.

"I found out about a couple of minutes before he came out," said Group Executive of Planning and Facilities Karla Henderson.

Polls showed Bing was behind other candidates mainly because an emergency manger took over on his watch.

"Certainly I don't think you're going to have a parade up and down Woodward celebrating his accomplishments, but a lot of things that he's done have been done quietly. Again he's a guy who took a tough job at a very tough time," said Wayne County sheriff and mayoral candidate Benny Napoleon.

Bing said he will form an exploratory committee for his future endeavors.

The 69-year-old professional basketball Hall-of-Famer and ex-steel supply company owner was elected in 2009. He inherited a budget deficit of more than $300 million.
In March, Detroit became the largest city in the country to fall under state oversight when Gov. Rick Snyder appointed bankruptcy attorney Kevyn Orr as emergency manager. Orr has final say on all city financial matters.

Reaction:

State Rep. Fred Durhal issued a statement on Bing's decision Tuesday afternoon.

"Mayor Bing has been a champion for Detroit, from his playing days with the Pistons, to Bing Steel and through his stewardship as Mayor of Detroit," said Durhal. "I wish him well in his impending retirement and look forward to talking with him about the steps necessary to make Detroit work for the 695,000 citizens and over 100,000 businesses within our 139 square mile city."

"As a candidate for Mayor, I look forward to the upcoming campaign and discussion around solutions that will make Detroit work again," said Durhal.

Durhal is currently in his third term representing the 5th District in the state House of Representatives, which covers part of Detroit. He grew up in Detroit, the oldest of 12 children, and attended and graduated from Detroit Public Schools. As a public servant he has served in positions with the legislature, the Michigan Economic Development Corp, the city of Detroit, United States Congress, Wayne County Commission and the Virginia Park Citizens District Council. He announced in November 2012 that he would be a candidate for Mayor of Detroit. He filed his petitions for Mayor on May 3, 2013 and was certified as a candidate on May 10, 2013