Jeff_Jewell's Blog

The Free Press is reporting that Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick hired at least 29 friends and family members to city posts since taking office.  Some are arguing that the number is excessive, and that the news just adds to the perception that this administration has not always acted in an ethical manner.  But Kilpatrick spokeswoman Denise Tolliver points out that the practice is not illegal and that there is a long tradition in Detroit of hiring relatives of city employees.

What do you think?  Does this further sully Kilpatrick's reputation, or were the hirings appropriate?

It's been a rough week for the mayor of Detroit.  First, he took a late-night drubbing from Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.  Then, a national news source published a picture of him in a red dress in a middle school play.  Adding fuel to the already burning fire, Mayor Kilpatrick initially denied that was him in the photo.  But after several people came forward saying it was indeed him, he did an about-face.  Some would say that's more proof of how this mayor operates.  What do you think?

As if the city of Detroit didn't have enough going on to damage its reputation, members of city council resorted to childish arguing and even name-calling during an OPEN hearing.  The entire exchange was captured on camera for all to see and hear.  So what do you think about it?  Who's at fault?  Does this hurt the council's credibility?  Add a comment below and let us you know your thoughts...