This is my virtual scratch pad to keep track of what's happening with Detroit city government. When I was a kid the Motor City was a shining light for Michigan and for the country.

Now it's running out of money and seems to be in a downward spiral that's affecting the whole state.

If Detroit can respond to positive leadership on both the local and state level, then there's hope for our troubled state and its cities.

I'm a retired staffer of the Michigan Legislature and a former newspaper reporter.