WWJ Newsradio 950's Pat Sweeting reports bomb-sniffing dogs were brought to the 13th floor of the downtown building after a threat was received.  The building was not evacuated.  Nothing was found.  

A resolution setting dates for a special mayoral election to fill Kwame Kilpatrick's remaining term is being prepared by the Detroit City Council.

City Clerk Janice Winfrey said the council could approve the resolution on Tuesday.

The Primary would be Feb. 24 with a May 5 General Election.

Candidates have four weeks to file after council approves the dates and need 583 signatures to make the ballot.

Winfrey says the regular 2009 mayoral primary still is set for August, followed by the general election that November.  Reports say the elections could cost the city three million dollars. 

Council President Ken Cockrel Jr. is expected to be sworn in as mayor on Sept. 19.

What happens if Detroit City Council votes on a resolution to hold a special election while Cockrel is still council president?  On Friday he said, "My guess is that if this matter comes to a vote before city council while I am still on city council, I will most likely abstain from voting on it and abstain from commenting because it's really a conflict of interest, I think, for me to even vote on that matter because clearly I would potentially benefit."  Cockrel said he is not focusing on running for office, himself, right now.     

In other developments Friday related to the new transition:

--Cockrel was at work Friday.  Ed Deeb, President and CEO of the Michigan Business and Professional Association told WWJ his group is "thrilled and relieved" that the issue with the mayor is over.  Now his attention turns to Cockrel who Deeb calls a "good leader."  Deeb says he hopes to bring more attention to the need for more food stores in the City of Detroit under a new  administration.

-- Detroit City Councilman Kwame Kenyatta is hosting a Heal The City/Unity Rally at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Coleman A Young Municipal Center in downtown Detroit.  Kenyatta is hoping to unite citizens and officials as the city transitions to a new mayor.  The rally will be on the 13th floor auditorium.

--Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan officials announced they will illuminate the company's 21-story downtown office tower at night with a 12-story, red heart light display on the south side, and ‘D’ towering nine stories in white lights on the north side.

“Blue Cross loves Detroit, and we are committed to a bright future for the city, region and state,” said Daniel J. Loepp, BCBSM President & CEO, in a statement.  “Detroit is one of America’s great communities and, as such, can overcome any challenge.  Lighting our building symbolizes the feelings of Blue Cross and our employees toward Detroit, its people and its future.”

The building will remain lit in symbolic tribute to Detroit’s promising future until October, when the company’s annual “Pink Ribbon” tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month goes up in lights.

Kilpatrick addressed the press and the public Thursday evening: " ...Today is a new beginning," Kilpatrick said. "It is not an end. I appreciate all of you acknowledging that in your spirit and your energy that has helped me to stand."   Watch the video here


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