Detroit mayor faces recall effort

DETROIT (AP) - An effort is taking place seeking to recall Detroit Mayor Dave Bing from office.

Detroit broadcasters report that elections officials last month approved a recall petition. Organizers have until February to gather signatures to trigger a special election in May.

In response, the mayor's office says they remain focused on helping the city get on track.

The recall effort comes as Detroit is deep in debt and has a budget deficit of more than $200 million. Bing has come under criticism for his efforts to handle the financial crisis.

The election would cost Detroit between $500,000 and $900,000.