(Image Source: WJBK)


BY STEVEN HSIEH
 
Detroit mayor Dave Bing announced 1,000 cuts to the city’s workforce Friday. The cuts are part of a plan to help the Motor City’s budget crisis and avoid resorting to a state-appointed emergency finance manager.

But Mayor Bing says – the layoffs, which represent about 9 percent of the city’s workers, won’t be enough to close Detroit’s $45 million deficit.

“If we do not get concessions from the union, none of the plans will work.  We cannot layoff the entire city.” (WJBK)

Mayor Bing has outlined proposed concessions, including 10 percent wage cuts across the board and pension reforms.  But the Detroit City Council president Charles Pugh says that won’t be enough.  The Council is expected to release its alternative plan Monday, says the Detroit News.

“Detroit City Council members were preparing for something more ambitious -- closing recreation centers, cutting police and firefighters, selling city parking lots and eliminating subsidies to museums and the Detroit Zoo.”

Detroit’s WXYZ spoke with city employees – who aren’t exactly optimistic about the future.

“A lot of the administration believes that recreation doesn’t count.  We’re not an essential service, so whenever layoffs happen, that’s the first place to go, to recreation, and they close centers.  So, I’m really concerned.”
“I don’t have enough years yet to retire with full benefits, I don’t know.  It’s looking bleak, really bleak.”

The Detroit Free Press welcomed letters regarding Bing’s budget crisis plan, and got mixed responses.

In support - “All citizens of metro Detroit can help Bing by supporting his plans. Bing, with all of his propositions, could save a ton of money and ultimately become the savior of Detroit.”

And against - “This man could not lead a group of ants to a picnic if he had them in his pocket. During his talk about our wonderful city, Bing once again made a statement about meeting with the people of the city. What people and what meetings?”

And a Free Press commentator says Bing’s predicament bears a striking resemblance to Detroit’s auto industry woes during the financial crisis. He writes that maybe the city needs to bring in that emergency finance manager.

“…would an aggressive, kick-butt restructuring -- overseen by either a bankruptcy judge or an emergency manager -- be seen by the outside world as a reassuring sign that Detroit and Michigan are finally facing reality?”

City departments are expected to announce layoffs by late January.

U.S. News

Detroit Mayor Announces 1,000 Job Cuts to Help Budget Crisis

November 20, 2011
(2:23)
Detroit mayor Dave Bing announced 1,000 cuts to the city’s workforce Friday.
   
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