Sent to Detroit papers on November 21, 2012

Dear Editor: 

The legendary baseball manager Casey Stengel famously said in frustration over the ineptitude of the NY Mets, "Can't anyone here play this game?" In a week worthy of the 1962 NY Mets, the ship of fools known as the Detroit City Council tabled action on the sale of less than 2000 vacant, litter strewn lots to a private developer, who heaven forbid, plans to clean up the property, plant hardwood trees, and eventually do a little farming. And by the way, the City Council has been studying Hantz's proposal for over three years.  In addition, the Council turned down the opportunity to make the Water Department more efficient, and vetoed Mayor Bing's contract with a law firm that now jeopardizes aid from the state. The same City Council that kicks sand in the face of the Governor when the state offers to take over the management of Belle Isle - at NO cost to the City.  As Casey Stengel rhetorically asked, I too wonder if there's anyone on the City Council who can "play this game." With the possible exception of Councilmen Cockrel and Brown, the answer is a resounding "NO."

Fortunately, in 2013, we Detroiters will elect council members primarily by district. And for that I give thanks. 

Thomas E. Page