Emergency Financial Manager Likely
We need to be partners in this new reality; My reaction to the Financial Review Team's findings released this week
Detroiter,
The
worst kept secret in Detroit was the financial review team would likely come back with a report that recommends an Emergency Financial Manager (EFM) be appointed here in Detroit.
I firmly believe each and every community has a right to elect local leadership to address that community's problem. I campaigned to repeal Public Act 4 with that belief. It is incumbent upon the local officials to recognize there is a problem; how dire that problem is; and to make the tough decisions to address them. That hasn't occurred here in Detroit, which is why we are having this conversation today.
I truly believe the city has the capacity to work through these issues under local control; however, if an EFM is appointed, I think it is important the state partners with the elected leadership and the community to address these issues.
We, as Detroiters, can be the catalysts to change the dynamic of an EFM. As partners in the process, together let's address the city's fiscal challenges swiftly, improve city services, then with local elected leadership at the helm, chart a strong Detroit future.
A heart for Detroiters and our beloved city,Benny N. Napoleon, J.D.