Mackinac Policy Conference Update: Detroit's Tale of Two Cities

Day Two: Former Washington D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams

5/30/2012
Mackinaw Policy ConferenceBy Kurt Brauer, Partner

Turf warfare, partisanship, ignoring constituencies: former Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams provided insight into how communities can fall into dysfunction and how they can pull themselves up by the bootstraps to solve problems. He likened his experience in D.C. to the problems facing Detroit.

The energy and determination to succeed are critical; a shared vision is paramount. When Williams took over, he worked with the city staff to cut red tape and streamline processes.

The analogy he uses is that of an old, underpowered, over-loaded and ill-maintained car, traveling down a rutted dirt road. There are lots of potential problems and pitfalls. Everyone needs to work together, pull together, focus on priorities and fix problems as quickly as your levels of funding, energy and expertise allow.

There is a way to get it done, Williams said, but everyone needs to focus on the same goal.

Other 2012 Mackinac Policy Conference Updates:
 
 
©2013 Warner Norcross & Judd LLP. All Rights Reserved

NOTICE. Although we would like to hear from you, we cannot represent you until we know that doing so will not create a conflict of interest. Also, we cannot treat unsolicited information as confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information about any matter that may involve you until you receive a written statement from us that we represent you.

By clicking the ‘ACCEPT’ button, you agree that we may review any information you transmit to us. You recognize that our review of your information, even if you submitted it in a good faith effort to retain us, and even if you consider it confidential, does not preclude us from representing another client directly adverse to you, even in a matter where that information could and will be used against you.

Please click the ‘ACCEPT’ button if you understand and accept the foregoing statement and wish to proceed.

ACCEPTCANCEL