DETROIT — Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano kicked off his reelection campaign Monday at the IBEW Local 58 in Detroit. 

Mike Richard, head of IBEW Local 58, introduced Ficano, calling him “a great friend of labor.” 

Ficano is seeking his fourth four-year term after filing for reelection on April 21.

“We are energized, focused and determined to continue our mission of making Wayne County the best place to work, live and raise a family,” Ficano said. “Together we can continue moving Wayne County forward and fight for all our rights as citizens of this great State of Michigan.”

Ficano’s campaign slogan is “Standing Strong, Standing Firm.” While announcing his reelection campaign in front of more than 100 people, Ficano discussed the success his administration has had in many areas, while also addressing the issues it still faces. 

“With every administration, and I am not going to run away from it, there has always been mistakes, but I have always said that the buck stops with me. But I’ll tell you what, people who made those mistakes, they can find no safe place or harbor with Bob Ficano, because we are going to make sure you pay the price for what you have done,” Ficano said. 

The FBI’s probe into Wayne County corruption is still ongoing, and since it was launched in 2011, key members of Ficano’s administration have either resigned, been indicted, or been convicted of crimes for their conduct while serving under Ficano. 

Ficano did not shy away from the controversial failed jail project that was originally budgeted at $300 million. Construction on the project was halted after overruns pushed the total cost to $391 million. 

“How many of you have ever had a contractor come to your house and at the beginning they tell you here is what the price is going to be, and they even write it down. Half way through they tell you, guess what, it is going to cost much more money. You have a choice at that point, either you say no, or you say you know what, we are going to sue you and we are going to make sure you hold to that price, or you go head and will pay the additional money,” Ficano said.

The number of candidates competing in the race will make it easier for Ficano to win reelection, according to reports. 

Ficano now joins the list of candidates in the hot race that includes Westland Mayor William Wild, Wayne County Commissioner Kevin McNamara, State Representative Phil Cavanagh and former Detroit Police Chief Warren Evans, who filed paperwork to run for the position this week. 

Ficano says he has always supported diversity and included minorities in his administration. “I have always included them in my administration and I will continue to do that,” he said.

Ficano talked about the renovation and expansion of Cobo Hall his administration takes credit for. He led the initiative for legislation in 2009 that created an authority and worked to provide a revenue stream for Cobo Hall. 

As a result, his administration says the North America International Auto Show remains in Detroit and thousands of union jobs were preserved, including those in the construction, hotel, restaurant, and entertainment sectors.

Ficano says he helped save thousands of jobs at the DMC when it was undergoing major issues. He also talked about the investment opportunities his administration worked on bringing to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.  

“Courage is knowing that you have to take the right path, and knowing that it is probably harder and unknown. I can tell you that all the paths that I have always taken in my heart have been for the best for the people of Wayne County,” Ficano said.

He says his administration is working on other projects that would boost economic growth in the region. 

“There is a great future for Wayne County, and the number one key to me has always been jobs and economic growth. And we can start with some of the things we are doing right now. It might not get all the headlines but it does lead to jobs and new initiatives,” he said. 

“People ask me, what is the legacy you want to leave for Wayne County, and it is very simple: you should not have to get on a plane to see your children or your grandchildren. If we achieve that it means there was educational opportunities, economic opportunities and your children and grandchildren wanted to raise their families here just like you have, and that’s what we are going to do and we are going to be successful.”