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'Michigan Matters' Focus: Patterson Bristles At Judge's Order To Muzzle

By CBS Detroit

Outspoken Oakland County Executive  L. Brooks Patterson isn't taking  too kindly to a judge who put a gag order on he and other regional leaders from discussing ongoing conversations over the Great Lakes Water Authority which came about out of  Detroit's bankruptcy.

"Gagging a politician probably violates the 8th Amendment to the Constitution which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment," said Patterson during taping of "Michigan Matters."

He appeared with Rodrick Miller, new president and CEO of Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Bankole Thompson. senior editor of the Michigan Chronicle,  and show host Carol Cain.

U.S. District Judge Sean Cox , who is  conducting  mediation proceedings  to finalize a deal to create the Great Lakes Water Authority, told those involved last week  they were not to discuss details, Patterson said.

"He didn't say why," Patterson added.

Creation of the authority was  considered a breakthrough settlement in the city's bankruptcy restructuring.

Cox's order came after last month's gathering of the "Big Four" leaders at the Detroit Economic Club luncheon where Patterson and others on the panel raised concerns about details of the water deal which they signed off on.

There was concern about an unexpected shortfall in revenue for the Detroit Water and Sewer Department

City and suburban leaders are  trying to resolve their differences over the creation of the authority in mediation.

In other topics, Miller, who took over the city's top economic development job six months ago, talked about bridging the gap between the "have's and have not's" in the Motor City.

"We have a lot of work too do," Miller said.

Thompson gave kudos to Mayor Mike Duggan who talked  in his state of the city speech Tuesday night about inclusion of all parties in the city's turnaround.

Also appearing on the show was Jerry Xu and Milan Stevanovich, of Detroit Chinese Business Association,  who talked about the importance of growing of economic bridges between China and Michigan.

DCBA will holds its 20th Annual Chinese New Year's on Feb. 27 at Motor City Casino. Scheduled speakers include Gov. Rick Snyder. "Michigan Matters" host and Detroit Free Press Columnist Carol Cain will receive an award during the festivities for her efforts to put a spotlight on the importance of growing bridges between China and Michigan though her work.

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Watch "Michigan Matters" 11:30 a.m. Sunday on CBS 62.

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