Bing reminds me a little of Michael R. White, the former mayor of Cleveland in the 1990’s. A black fella (young in those days) who ran as a Democrat, of course. But he governed as a pro-business Republican, pretty damn conservative. AND he was conservative on social issues. He formed his own slate of candidates (whose names all began with the letter L), and had them run as “The 4 Ls” to once and for all get rid of the liberal white cabal ruining the Cleveland schools.
He also stood up against the race baiting city council members once he learned that they were allowing the school district to drop off busloads of inner city teenagers at the brand spanking new Tower City shopping complex. He was trying to attract business to this downtown retail area and they were trying to stab him in the back by making Tower City a district bus stop. These teenagers amazingly resembled gangs and scared the daytime office workers out of the place. He got in the face of these city council members who cried “racism” and reminded them that he needs people to spend money in the city limits and not the suburban malls, so they can operate the city.
Finally, he was the one who DEMANDED that the NFL replace the football team that Art Modell took to Baltimore. He made such a nuisance of himself, and raised so much hell, it wasn’t funny. And then he threatened Paul Tagliabue, telling him that if he didn’t promise a replacement team, they would enforce the “specific performance” portion of the stadium lease. Which would have frozen Modell in place for 3 years at the old stadium with ZERO fans in the stands.
In Cleveland, doesn’t matter if the person is black or white, rich or poor, Republican or Democrat: They will tell you that Michael R. White was one of the best mayors in Cleveland history.
I hope he and Bing are in contact with each other.
Bing seems like a good guy with a good moral compass. No doubt he has his hands full but somehow he needs to destroy the thug-socialism to be able to implement any meaningful economic programs.
White sounds like he was an exception to the typical d-RAT politician.
btw, I knew a Jane from Blufton,OH who later moved to Memphis. Your screen name reminds me of her and the “America” song of “Daisy Jane”...just rambling thoughts this moning as I get my morning coffee IV.
I worked at BP America then. Downtown was safe and a p;easure to work in.