Honest Politicians In Detroit Are Hard To Find

Now comes interim Mayor Ken Cockrel. The former City Council President is accused of violating state law when he filed his affidavit of identity along with his nominating petitions. According to MCL 168.558(4)…”any candidate who gives untruthful statements on the affidavit is guilty of perjury, faces up to 5 years in prison or a $1000 fine and shall not be certified to the ballot.”

So does that mean Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has to go after Cockrel for perjury with the same passion as she did Kwame Kilpatrick just to save face?

Other reports have linked Cockrel with corporate donors who also have questionable dealings with the City. Business support for Cockrel has been really good. The only problem is 7 of those businesses do major work with the city and almost all of them are being questioned for suspicious business activity involving city contracts. Cash for contract approvals are the culprits.

These big city contractors have contributed heavily to Cockrel. Questions are beginning to surface if Cockrel may be on the receiving end of these contract approvals. Attorney General Mike Cox is investigating a possible removal of Cockrel’s name from the ballot.

One of Cockrel’s supporters also sits on the city board that awards contracts to towing companies. This board member also owns a towing company; so he gives out the lion’s share of funds to his company as a perk. It makes you wonder if this is going out throughout Detroit City government.

Former Detroit Piston turned businessman Dave Bing has announced his intentions to run for mayor next year. There are even rumors that whistleblower trial winner Gary Brown may also through his hat in the ring.

Cockrel can’t escape the perception that his support mainly comes from corporate businesses and not the rank and file voter. His predecessor, Kwame Kilpatrick, base was the rank and file, just like President elect Obama’s. The average man stood up for a new President, maybe Detroiters will stand up for an honest mayor.