Finley: Bing Is Yesterday's News on Mackinac

When Detroit Mayor Dave Bing dropped a hint that he plans to run for re-election next year, the reaction from business and political leaders at the Mackinac conference was, "Don't do it, Dave," writes Nolan Finley.

A business community that recruited him to run for mayor, financially backed his candidacy and hoped a member of their own club would bring financial stability to City Hall, is done with Bing.

The hope on Mackinac, as business, civic and political leaders gather for the Detroit Regional Chamber's annual policy conference, is that Bing will use the excuse of advancing age and poor health to make a graceful exit from the mayor's office. Those who lifted him into the job are willing to thank him for restoring integrity to city government, for giving it his best effort, for starting some key initiatives, including the reshaping of the city's footprint. But they aren't willing to support a re-election bid.