Council President Brenda Jones
In 1964, Bob Dylan released his classic album "The Times They Are a-Changin.'"
Well, now 50 years later that mantra seems to be catching on at Detroit City Council.
Darren Nichols of the Detroit writes that Council President Brenda Jones -- now in her third term -- is setting a different tone for the city and its legislative body by coordinating with Mayor Mike Duggan on key issues and working collaboratively with her eight colleagues.
It's a big change, particularly from the last administration where the council fought Mayor Dave Bing and manhandled him, often ignored his wishes and frustrated him to no end. The council also didn't always get along that well.
Nichols writes:
The third-term councilwoman has indicated she wants the council to end its recent practice of sparring publicly with the Mayor’s Office in endless debates, but insists the council still will hold Duggan accountable.
“Really, we have been working together better than any other administration since I’ve been here,” Jones said at a business group luncheon recently.
Nichols writes that political observers have noticed a more conciliatory tone. -- A.L.
