
DETROIT (WWJ) – Kevyn Orr plans to hightail it out of Detroit once the city emerges from bankruptcy.
That’s the word from Detroit’s state-appointed emergency manager, just shy of one year since the largest municipal bankruptcy filing in U.S. history.
READ MORE: This Weekend: I-275 Lane Closures Continue Between 7 Mile Road And I-96/I-696/M-5“I think it’s appropriate for me, when this does come to an end, to exit quietly — I’m off the stage — and let the regular order return and let the city’s sort of healing process take; and let the patient recover on their own,” Orr said, in a one-on-one interview with WWJ City Beat Reporter Vickie Thomas.
At one point, Orr said, he had thought about staying on in Detroit as a consultant. He even tried to buy a house, he said, but was outbid in a Detroit landbank auction. “That blew up in my face,” Orr said.
What will he miss about Detroit?
“Besides my barbecue joints? … I am not gonna miss the public scrutiny,” Orr said, adding that he will miss his staff.
Public scrutiny notwithstanding, Orr said things could have been a lot worse when it came to the media.
READ MORE: WATCH: Girl Challenges Pittsburgh Police Officer And Former Pitt Football Player To Race“I was very concerned that we would have perhaps a difficult time — and we haven’t,” Orr said. “And so I think that really says volumes about the integrity and character of this city.”
Orr said he was, however, a bit surprised by the level of world-wide interest in the case.
“You know…I headed up the White Water investigation, I was in the Chrysler case — I’ve been in other high-profile matters,” Orr said. “Actually, I did not know (this would be so big)… No, I didn’t.”
Orr has said Detroit is on track to emerge from bankruptcy in October. This Friday marks one year since the filing.
Hear Thomas’ complete interview with Kevyn Orr:
MORE NEWS: Michigan's Expungement Law Takes Effect On Sunday