DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit City Council has voted to part ways with controversial city attorney Krystal Crittendon.

In a 6-3 vote council members reversed an earlier position on corporate counsel Crittendon, in effect demoting her from her current position.

Tuesday’s vote took place at the request of Mayor Dave Bing, who stated to Counsel he did not appoint Crittendon and that he wants someone of his choosing in that position.

Bing needed, and got, a two-thirds majority decision to have her removed immediately.

WWJ Newsradio 950′s Ron Dewey reported several council members were taken by surprise by Bing’s request.

That included Councilwoman JoAnn Watson who voted against the Mayor’s resolution, calling it outrageous.

“Because somebody dared to stand up for what’s correct, dared to say the state ought to pay its bill, dared to say the charter ought to be followed, dared to say the Constitution ought to be respected,” Watson said.

Bing, last year, criticized the city lawyer for filing a legal challenge to a consent deal between himself and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder designed to head off appointment of an emergency financial manager.  She also made waves when she worked to block a contract with the law firm Miller Canfield that challenged the city’s financial stability agreement with the state.

Council had initially refused to remove Crittendon last year at the request of the mayor.

Stay with WWJ and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.

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