2 Familiar Names On Mike Duggan's Transition Team

DETROIT (WWJ) - Former Detroit police chief Ike McKinnon and former mayoral candidate Lisa Howze will be part of Detroit Mayor-elect Mike Duggan's transition team.

Making that announcement, Duggan also told reporters that he will be moving into the official mayor's residence: the Manoogian Mansion.

At Wednesday's news conference, Duggan acknowledged there is some uncertainty in the air as he prepares to take office in January.

"This is going to be an interesting journey over the next six or seven weeks," Duggan said, "and I'm just going to try to be open with you every step of the way about what we're doing an why."

Duggan's team is expected to work with staff for state-appointed emergency manager Kevyn Orr, who filed for bankruptcy on behalf of Detroit, and is currently at the helm in the struggling city. 

As mayor, Duggan — much like the City Council — will have limited power while Orr remains in charge.

"I've noticed in my conversation with the public, there's still this confusion, like what are you going to January first," Duggan said.

"Kevyn Orr and I have a lot of things to work out together; and we've had good conversations to start and we're going to have to have a lot more," Duggan said. "I'm not focused right now on the plan of adjustment. I'm focused now on putting an operational plan together for the city."

Duggan said he will present a plan to Orr that will outline what he thinks his responsibility should be. It will be a plan, Duggan said, that won't interfere with the bankruptcy process.

In the meantime the Mayor-elect is still looking for a few good men and women.

"I've noticed in my conversation with the public, there's still this confusion, like what are you going to January first," Duggan said. "At the moment, we don't have the authority to hire, but we are going to start to identify talent."

Duggan said he encourages those who are interested in a future management position with this team to visit his website:  www.transitiondetroit.org.

Duggan will succeed Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, who opted not to seek re-election.