Priorities for Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr

Kevyn Orr, Detroit's new state-appointed emergency manager, began his 18-month tenure late in March, says Click on Detroit. What are the priorities of a state controller in such a large city? Priorities for Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr The Detroit Free Press reports that some have only one task for the emergency manager: Leave leadership to elected officials. Rev. Charles Williams II of Michigan's National Action Network led a sit-in at City Hall last Thursday. The group filed a lawsuit against Michigan's new emergency manager law, Public Act 436, saying it violates voter rights. With Detroit's mayoral slot opening up, candidates must consider how they'd operate under a state-appointed controller, too. ABC Action News 7 WXYZ says Mike Duggan, a contender for mayor, wants the emergency manager gone ASAP and says he's ready to take over turnaround.

Right-to-Work Not Right for Michigan, Now or Ever

Protesters opposing right-to-work legislation rallied at Michigan's Lansing capitol earlier this week, says WXYZ. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has been flirting with right-to-work since Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker ousted collective bargaining in his state last year. In fact, the Washington Post dubbed Gov. Snyder "the Scott Walker of 2014." However, when lawmakers forwarded right-to-work, Gov. Snyder said it wasn't the right thing for Michigan then. Operative word: then.  Read more

Detroit Debates Proposal 1, Michigan's Emergency Manager Referendum

A hotly contested item on Michigan's November 6, 2012, ballot is Proposal 1, a referendum on Public Act 4 of 2011. PA 4, passed by Gov. Rick Snyder last year, is the state's emergency manager law. PA 4 places pro tem managers in charge of financially struggling cities and public entities like school districts. This is an are of concern particularly for Detroit area residents. Six of the eight Michigan EMs are located in Detroit burbs and entities. If Proposal 1 passes, another 60 Michigan cities could get EMs. EMs don't come cheap. Entities that are assigned an EM have to pay salaries ($180,000-$435,000 a year), expenses, transportation, etc. If the city is already in financial trouble how is an overpaid exec going to help? EMs can and do cut jobs and vital services. Unemployed and underemployed residents can't pay taxes. They have to rely on social safety networks that drain financial resources. EMs are a lose-lose proposition. Detroit Debates Proposal 1, Michigan's Emergency Manager Referendum