After a series of endorsement interviews with seven mayoral candidates, the Detroit Free Press’ editorial staff has singled out who they consider the strongest candidates: Wayne County Sherriff Warren Evans, businessman David Bing and former Deputy Mayor Freman Hendrix.

Notice any particular name missing in that lineup? 

In an editorial of flattering profiles of each of the three candidates, they explain why current interim Mayor Kenneth Cockrel Jr. didn’t make the cut:

[Cockrel] has made awful use of his opportunity to make a positive difference for Detroit. He doesn’t convey a sense of urgency about the city’s problems.

The Free Press will endorse a single candidate out of their top three next week.