Politics & Government

It's Official: Scandal-Ridden Wayne County Executive Seeking 4th Term

Robert A. Ficano, whose administration has been dogged by scandal for the last 2 1/2 years, says he will seek a fourth term.

Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano is a candidate for a fourth term, his campaign said Friday.

The formal announcement will be at 5 p.m. Monday at the International Brotherhood of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58 union hall in Detroit, but it’s been expected for some time as the embattled executive increased public appearances and fundraising, The Detroit News reports.

Friday’s announcement by his campaign was a foregone conclusion among supporters, who were invited earlier this week to attend the formal announcement.

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In the email, Ficano acknowledged “challenges like any administration,” but said his administration is “energized, focused and determined to continue our mission of making Wayne County the best place to work, live and raise a family.”

Those challenges include federal indictments against five former top aides, a grand jury investigation into cost overruns and corruption allegations in a $300 million jail project that was halted last year, and a legacy of debt.

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Ficano has dubbed his campaign “Standing Strong, Standing Firm.”

Ficano will be opposed in the August primary by at least three other Demcorats.

Rep. Phil Cavanagh (Redford Township), Westland Mayor William Wild and Wayne County Commissioner Kevin McNamara (Van Buren Township) have declared their candidacies. Former Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans hadn’t declared, but said he might enter the race.

The winner of the Democratic nomination is almost guaranteed to win the the race in November in heavily Democratic Wayne County.

The deadline to file to make it on the primary ballot is Tuesday.


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