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Detroit Councilman Calls For Appeal In Consent Deal Dispute

DETROIT (Talk Radio 1270) - The lawsuit challenging the city of Detroit's consent agreement was dismissed but Detroit City Councilman Kwame Kenyatta says it should be appealed.

Kenyatta believes corporation counsel Krystal Crittendon was right in bringing the suit -- although Mayor Dave Bing said it would bankrupt the city by Friday after state leaders threatened to withhold $80 million in revenue sharing.

"Well, you know, I'm not the attorney, but I think that the judge can be asked to reconsider his judgement and have all of the information before him," Kenyatta told Talk Radio 1270 morning show host Charlie Langton Thursday morning,

In filing the suit, Crittendon said the city charter prohibits Detroit from making contracts where at least one side owes the other money. She said Michigan owes Detroit $220 million in revenue sharing.

Judge William Collette on Wednesday threw out the case saying that Crittendon lacked the authority to sue the state. He said the suit  would have to be brought by the mayor or city council to be valid.

Kenyatta said he believes, when it's all said and done, Detroit will see an emergency manager appointed by the state.

"Probably so, Charlie. There is nothing in this consent agreement that's going to turn the city around," Kenyatta said.

The consent deal was meant to avoid an emergency manager.

Meantime, City Council will move ahead with the appointment of two members to the Financial Advisory Board, as called for the in consent agreement.

Before the consent agreement was reached, Detroit was on course to be more than $400 million in debt.

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