The governor's economic recovery plan for Michigan is essentially tied to betting the state on one idea: Slash business taxes by more than half, and wager that will bring a flood of new job-creators swarming in. Unlike many of the gung-ho supply-siders in the Legislature, Dave Bing has actually built and run a business.

What does he think of the tax-slashing scheme? "Well, that will help," he said cautiously. "But smart businessmen are interested in both the bottom line and what they can make. That doesn't necessarily mean they will always reinvest."

When they do create jobs, there's usually a lag time, too. It doesn't happen overnight. Nevertheless, the mayor is upbeat. When I arrived at his office, he was talking to Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano about the possibility of sharing services.

"People are getting a different feeling about Detroit, that we are traveling in the right direction." He flashed a smile that made him seem suddenly younger than his 67 years.

You could even glimpse the fresh-faced rookie who arrived to join the Detroit Pistons back in 1966, only to be turned down when he tried to qualify for a mortgage. Did he really think Detroit could return to solvency and prosperity on his watch?

"Solvency, yes. Solvency I think can be a reality over three to five years. Prosperity" — he paused.

"Prosperity is down the road."

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