Detroit Mayor Dave Bing announces he'll seek re-election

Dave Bing picked up nominating petitions Thursday afternoon

DETROIT – Detroit Mayor Dave Bing on Thursday said he had taken the first step toward seeking a second term in office but still has not decided whether he'll carry through with it.

The 69-year-old picked up petitions at the city clerk's office. He'll need 500 signatures by May 14 to get onto the August primary ballot.

"Based on what I've been doing on a day-to-day basis, I don't think I can wait any longer to start the process," he said. "This is a huge decision for anyone that's going to run. If you haven't been here, you've got no idea what it's like -- even in good times. And these are not good times."

Bing said he's been too busy to think about re-election.

"You know the window is obviously closing. I've said for several months at this point that I had not made my mind up and that's still true today," said Bing.

Bing filled out the paperwork needed on Wednesday to get the ball rolling on a reelection campaign. On the other hand by doing so, Bing also gives himself room not to run.

"I've given up a lot of my life and I'm at a point where I would like to enjoy some of it," he said.

Whether or not he decides to run, he now has the time to decide.

The city has been under an emergency manager since March, when Gov. Rick Snyder named bankruptcy attorney Kevyn Orr to the role.

Bing said he's working closely with Orr, who must approve all financial decisions.

"This city deserves to be fixed," Bing said.

Bing was elected mayor in May 2009 to complete the remaining months of disgraced ex-mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's second term. Voters re-elected elected Bing that November.

He inherited a budget deficit that now stands at $327 million.

Several other people have already thrown their hats into the ring including:

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