Detroit was never as bad as the media once portrayed. And the city isn’t as good as they say it is now.
Karen Dumas
Karen Dumas is a PR/communications strategist and former chief of communications for the city of Detroit. A native Detroiter, she leads her own firm, Images & Ideas, Inc. She spends brunch hours with a cup of tea, planning the week ahead. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Foundations open wallets to improve Detroit’s fortunes
The Kresge and Stillman foundations are investing in neighborhoods and education, in a city that badly needs help with both.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Detroit's comeback can't work if most are left behind
Detroit can't prosper if the jobs coming with its current recovery are only for the well-educated few. Excellent public schools must be part of the solution.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Detroit's successes have a thousand parents; its struggles are orphans
Everybody loves a festival at Hart Plaza. The trash? Eh, someone else’s problem. (Photo by Flickr user ario_; used under Creative Commons license) For some reason, expectations for Detroit were high during Gov. Rick Snyder’s fourth State of the State address. With Detroit’s looming money problems, there was anticipation – or blind hope – that […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Detroit's blank slate means new reality for council
NEW SPIRIT, NEW REALITIES: The incoming Detroit City Council is unique in many ways, and members need to approach their jobs differently, too. (Photo by Flickr user Jason Mrachina; used under Creative Commons license) In spite of the tumultuous events surrounding Detroit city government, the reality of a newly elected mayor and city council come […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
For Detroit under an EM, lots of woulda-coulda-shoulda
OLD PROBLEMS: Some of the emergency manager’s actions might not be necessary if earlier administrations and councils had acted sooner. There has been tremendous pushback on several actions by or taken as a result of the emergency manager’s office in Detroit. The argument here isn’t whether these things are good, being done the right way […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Police alone can't pacify a violent culture
AS AMERICAN AS APPLE PIE: A culture that catapults violent video games to the top of sales charts cannot be pacified simply by adding more police officers. (Screen capture of “Grand Theft Auto V”) Public safety is and remains a primary topic of concern for Detroiters. From campaign conversation to political platforms to administrative agendas, […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Misplaced rage over minimum wage: Workers need options to leave burgers behind
WRONG RECIPE: One-day strikes by fast-food workers, like this one last year in Milwaukee, are spreading, with demands for higher wages. But fast food shouldn’t be a long-term stop for most workers; their energy would be better-spent on school and training. (Photo by Flickr user Light Brigading/used under Creative Commons license) The recent marching and […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Detroit’s EM should surround himself with fresh faces, fresh thinking
RIGHT MIND-SET: Emergency manager Kevyn Orr, far right, and Mayor Dave Bing flank Gov. Rick Snyder at a press conference to discuss the city’s financial straits. (courtesy photo/city of Detroit) Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr came in with an impressive resume and a seemingly razor-sharp focus and determination to right the city’s finances. He is […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Orr, what? Detroit EM’s first days show more loyalty to state than city
THIS IS NEWS? Detroiters are well-aware of their city’s problems. If they have to accept an emergency manager, he should work for the city, not the state, writes Karen Dumas. (Courtesy photo/used under a Creative Commons license) Detroit’s Emergency Manager, Kevyn Orr, started his job with mixed reviews. Some thought he was a necessary evil […]
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