Mr. Steven Thomas

Despite Michigan’s recent economic woes, in 2004 it exported $35 billion worth of goods and services to the world, ranking it fourth among the states, up from sixth place in 1998.

Residents in many cities throughout Michigan and America rely on private refuse haulers for curbside garbage pickup. Detroit officials could dramatically improve services and save scarce dollars by privatizing garbage collection.

Mayor Archer has blamed his troubles on the fact that he "inherited a dysfunctional city." But after six years at the helm, he can no longer avoid either the tough decisions that must be made or the responsibility for not making them.