Mike Duggan smiles after making the announcement Tuesday night in Detroit (Credit: Fox 2 News)
DETROIT (WJBK) -
Mike Duggan officially kicked off his campaign for mayor of Detroit on Tuesday night. He is stepping into the race with some serious support and major endorsements ranging from young professionals to former police chiefs Ike McKinnon and Warren Evans.
Watch Huel Perkins' one-on-one interview with Duggan in the video report.
"When I sat down with Mike a couple months ago -- because I was getting ready to leave -- I said, 'I can't take any more,' but Mike convinced me to stay because he said, 'Ike, I have a plan," said McKinnon.
"I watched him turnaround every organization that I've been around him with over the last 20 years," said Evans. "He's just got a proven track record. I mean, the question would really be why would he fail now."
One of the most curious endorsements came from well-known Detroiter Charlie Beckham, whose name has been floated around as a potential emergency manager for the city. I asked him if that is still a possibility.
"I don't know. As Mike said it's up to the governor. I'd be remiss if I didn't take my 40 some odd years of experience and not offer it up to serve the citizens of Detroit like I always have," he said. "If the governor decides he's going to do it, he's going to turn it back to Detroit at some point. He needs to turn it back to somebody like Mike Duggan when that happens."
The election is still months away, and there are other candidates vying for the job. However, regardless of who you believe should be elected as Detroit's next mayor, this race really does come down to one thing.
"You can't find anybody that doesn't say we aren't in financial distress. It's who can best pull us out of that," Beckham said.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:28 AM EDT2013-05-22 06:28:15 GMT
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:56 GMT
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Mike Duggan smiles after making the announcement Tuesday night in Detroit (Credit: Fox 2 News)
