Detroit Mayor Dave Bing returns to work today
Mr. Bing is expected back at city hall following his recovery from pulmonary embolisms in both lungs. Bing had an
operation in late March for a perforated colon, then returned to the hospital earlier this month after doctors discovered the blood clots in his lungs - a potentially life-threatening condition.
Bing, 68, was away for much of the drama surrounding the city's consent agreement vote with the state, but Deputy Mayor Kirk Lewis said Bing was continually informed and was providing his input into the process. From the Detroit News:
In a conference call with reporters 10 days ago, Bing said he was fully engaged in the process of hiring a chieffinancial officer as well as appointing members to the financial advisory board that will oversee the city's fiscal restructuring. In that phone interview with reporters, Bing said he would start slowly and not work full days until his health is 100 percent.
Appointments to Detroit's financial oversight board continue
Five have been appointed to the nine-member financial advisory board - four more appointments are left.
The Detroit Free Press reports Detroit City Council will interview candidates today:
The council will interview candidates at 2:30 p.m. today and at 1 p.m. Tuesday at council chambers on the 13th floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. "It will be a world-class board," council President Pro Tem Gary Brown, who is heading up the selection process for the council, said last week. "I've seen all the candidates, and people will be pleased with the level of competency on this board." Council President Charles Pugh said the council could vote on its selections as early as Friday.
The financial advisory board will have oversight over the city's finances. Each member will be given $25,000 in annual compensation for their service on the board.
Number of low-birth weight babies increasing in Michigan
The Michigan League for Human Services’ Kids Count in Michigan report released today says the number of low-birth weight babies and babies born to unwed women is increasing, according to the Lansing State Journal.
The Journal reports that the authors of the report call for funding to implement changes from a state infant mortality summit.
The report says the 10 counties with the best health indicators for mothers and children are Houghton, Ottawa, Livingston, Leelanau, Midland, Grand Traverse, Oakland, Emmet, Clinton and Washtenaw. The 10 worst are Berrien, Calhoun, Alcona, Genesee, Clare, Lake, Saginaw, Wayne, Crawford and Luce.
