Detroit’s liberal legacy is coming to fruition. The governor of Michigan had to install an
emergency manager to oversee its affairs; practically giving him dictatorial
powers. The other alternative is bankruptcy. Corruption,
generous contracts to labor unions, a faltering auto industry, and a fleeing
population are just some of the factors that lead to the dissolution of a once
proud and prosperous city.
Detroit has become so dysfunctional, basic services
have been neglected. Police don’t answer
calls. Broken street lights aren’t being
replaced. And of course, the citizens
want something done about it; yet, protest this “power grab” by the
governor. Here are some of the powers
granted to Kevyn Orr, the appointed emergency manager:
Under
a revised state law governing emergency managers that will go into effect on
March 28, the same week that Mr. Orr is to begin his job, he will be granted
sweeping powers to remake the city’s financial plan, change labor contracts and
sell city assets. He will make $275,000 a year, nearly all of it paid by the
state, and may choose to hire staff to be paid for by the city. Many of his
decisions will trump those of elected officials, although some leaders — most
notably Mr. Bing — have indicated a willingness
to collaborate with Mr. Orr.
Despite Mr. Orr’s legal background, he said
he hoped the city would not ultimately need to file for bankruptcy. Municipal
bankruptcies are rare, but it was lost on no one that the state had selected an
expert in bankruptcy law for Detroit, as opposed to a financial accountant,
former city manager or elected official. Under Michigan law, a city can file
for bankruptcy only under certain conditions, including if an emergency manager
has attempted other measures and concluded that such a move is needed.
I just hope the irresponsible behavior by
Democrats at the national level doesn’t translate into a Detroit legacy.
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