Bankruptcy clouds Detroit mayoral primary election

Detroit mayoral candidates head to primary with unclear responsibilities under city bankruptcy

8/6/2013

DETROIT — Candidates in Detroit’s mayoral primary are racing to lead what soon could be the largest U.S. city ever to go through a bankruptcy, while yielding complete control of its finances to a state-appointed emergency manager.

As polls opened today, the biggest name and most prominent issue in the struggling city are Kevyn Orr and his Chapter 9 bankruptcy filing.

Some of the favorites for mayor have come out against the filing, and say they will work with Orr only if they have to.

Political analyst and former city councilwoman Sheila Cockrel says the bankruptcy proceedings are sure to hover over the next mayor’s first term, and whoever wins will have “no roadmap of where or how” things will proceed.

Current Mayor Dave Bing is not seeking re-election.