Detroit Economic Club

Big Four Group of Leaders Could Outgrow Nickname

date: January 15, 2011
SOURCE:Detroit Free Press

Is it time to trade in the Big Four for the beefier "Fab Five" or "Six Pack" nickname instead as talk swirls about adding more players at the table to take part in these?

The Big Four is made up of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and the first Macomb County Executive, Mark Hackel.

The foursome will appear at the Economic Club luncheon. I will moderate the event, which will include audience questions.

With critical issues like the economy, regional cooperation, education, revenue sharing, Aerotropolis, manufacturing and autos, part of the conversation will likely include bringing new leaders into the Big Four.

That topic arose during a spirited conversation I had with Patterson and Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Sandy Baruah.

I asked Patterson about people who said Oakland wasn't doing enough to help Detroit or the region.

He disputed that, and wondered why more focus wasn't put on Washtenaw County, which has become more involved and influential.

"Why don't those critics look to Washtenaw County, where our new governor, the new head of MEDC and SPARK and outgoing chair of the (Michigan) Republican Party happen to reside," Patterson said.

"People from Washtenaw also go to the zoo and the DIA. Why aren't they being asked to put something into the kitty, too? Why does it always fall to Oakland?" Patterson lamented.

Baruah said it's time to include someone from Washtenaw. Ficano's an advocate for including Washtenaw, mentioning the clout of the University of Michigan.

Patterson added that his Economic Growth Alliance, which he launched two years ago and includes Oakland, Livingston, Genesee, St. Clair, Lapeer and Macomb counties, shows his regional focus.