FLINT (WJRT) -
(03/15/13) - More than a year after an emergency financial manager is named
in Flint, Gov. Rick Snyder appoints one for Michigan's largest city - Detroit.
Kevyn Orr, a restructuring specialist, was hand-picked to help lead the
Motor City out of its financial crisis.
"I'm confirming my determination that a financial emergency exists in the
city of Detroit," Gov. Snyder said.
Rewind a little over a year ago - that's when Flint got its first taste of an
emergency financial manager. Mayor Dayne Walling is hopeful after seeing
Detroit's elected officials stand together.
"I was happy to see Mayor Bing standing with the Governor and new EFM,
because once the governor makes the decision, I believe it's up to everyone to
step up and be part of the solution. We can disagree with the policy, but that's
the direction, and we have to find a way to live with it," Walling said.
Walling has some advice for Mayor Bing and city council - stay engaged.
"There's still a role for local elected officials, citizen leaders and business
leaders, because it's going to take an unprecedented level of cooperation to get
Detroit back on track."
There's quite a few similarities between Flint and Detroit - millions of
dollars in debt and a dwindling tax base. While the task at hand is a rather
large one, Mayor Walling hopes state leaders are all in. "The state needs to be
more proactive with investments and serious financial assistance and putting
priorities in their budget on our local communities, police officers,
firefighters, our schools."
Mayor Walling said he and city council are working on drafting a letter to
Gov. Snyder to begin Flint's transition out of an emergency financial manager
this summer.
