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Needed: A new Detroit - Pottery Barn rule applies (my latest blog post for the Detroit News)
The first step toward recovery is admitting you have a problem. After years of delay, denial, and wishful thinking, Detroit and the state have unequivocally done that, even while they continue to disagree about the solution.
For the record, I was not in favor of appointing an emergency manager (EM) for Detroit. I continue to believe that a more collaborative approach would have been better than the de facto state takeover of the city. But, if that’s the way things are going to go, then the Pottery Barn rule applies.
Having taken the step, the state has an obligation to do this right.
That means creating a solution that does not further divide and polarize southeast Michigan. Those hoping that newly-appointed EM Kevyn D. Orr will “stick it” to the city and teach it a lesson need to be disappointed. It will be impossible for Orr to please everyone and he should not try. However, it is vital that he does not leave the majority of city residents and important community leaders feeling disrespected, humiliated, and robbed.
More: http://blogs.detroitnews.com/politics/2013/03/18/detroit-needs-a-new-start/
For the record, I was not in favor of appointing an emergency manager (EM) for Detroit. I continue to believe that a more collaborative approach would have been better than the de facto state takeover of the city. But, if that’s the way things are going to go, then the Pottery Barn rule applies.
Having taken the step, the state has an obligation to do this right.
That means creating a solution that does not further divide and polarize southeast Michigan. Those hoping that newly-appointed EM Kevyn D. Orr will “stick it” to the city and teach it a lesson need to be disappointed. It will be impossible for Orr to please everyone and he should not try. However, it is vital that he does not leave the majority of city residents and important community leaders feeling disrespected, humiliated, and robbed.
More: http://blogs.detroitnews.com/politics/2013/03/18/detroit-needs-a-new-start/