WDET News
- Governor, Penske Talk About Kilpatrick
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Jul 31, 2008General
The Governor says she understands it's in the public's interest to resolve the legal turmoil surrounding Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
Governor Jennifer Granholm says while some feel she should have the ability to move more quickly on the issue… she says somewhat judicial protocol must be followed to remove a public servant.
“The statute under which the Governor has the authority… and under which I have been asked to hold a removal hearing… requires specifically that there be due process and a hearing held.”
Granholm says September 3rd is the date she’ll hold a hearing on whether to remove of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick from office.
While saying he’s not ready to comment about the issue one way or another, area businessman Roger Penske says he does feel a level of disappointment.
“Anytime there is a question of leadership, whether it’s a company or in a particular political situation or a state or city, obliviously it has some impact. For me, I feel we need to get through it as quickly as we can.”
In the meantime, Penske says he remains focused on Detroit’s positive aspects, including the upcoming Belle Isle Grand Prix… of which he is an organizer.
The Detroit City Council is asking Governor Granholm to remove Kilpatrick from office for alleged misconduct. The Mayor and his former Chief of Staff Christine Beatty are facing criminal perjury charges related to their testimony during a whistleblowers’ trial last year.
Granholm says Kilpatrick’s alleged pushing of a Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy last week will not be taken into consideration at the hearing because it is not included in the original request.