Mayor Bernero of Lansing, Michigan, introduced a plan to erase $3.85 million in deficit by eliminating nine jobs instead of 50. Mayor Bernero said he didn’t want anyone to lose their job, but an inflexible labor force made the cuts inevitable. The plan includes nine layoffs, 18 unfilled positions that will stay vacant, and five positions that will become available due to retirement that will not be replaced. Some city employees are skeptical of the mayor’s proposal, which also included a two-pronged deficit elimination plan. They are claiming some aspects of the plan still need clarification. Mayor Bernero didn’t say who would get the axe, but he did say it won't be police officers or firefighters.