In a modern day twist on a James Spader film, Detroit’s Hip Hop Mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick, and his Chief of Staff, Christine Beatty, have the State of Michigan watching aghast as details of their extramarital affair are paraded before the world. Unfortunately, in addition to the 5 children and the 2 spouses (one former) feeling the pain of this betrayal, it looks like Kilpatrick and Beatty may have lied under oath as they attempted to cover up their affair. The City of Detroit ended up paying nearly $9 million to settle law suits that surrounded this affair. For one of the nation’s most cash strapped major cities, this is a major sin.
Read more about Kilpatrick/Beatty uproar at the Freep.
Unfortunately for all of us in Metro Detroit, we are all tied to the turmoil in the city. We’ve worked hard to present our best face with the Super Bowl, the Ryder Cup, our winning sports teams, award winning school systems, and redevelopment of the City. Yet setbacks like Kilpatrick’s continual embarrassments leave a lasting mar on our state. I cannot vote in Detroit. But I hope that the people who can will speak out and stop the charades that Detroiters have long accepted in city government. Enough is enough. We all deserve better.
And for those of you who may ask what this has to do with real estate, let me tell you that politics and real estate are attached at the hip. The City of Detroit could have used that money to tear down 1200 abandoned homes within their borders. Almost everything that goes on within the City impacts the suburbs. As much as we would like to live in our insulated world North of 8 Mile, we will never be separate. We are only as strong as our weakest link.
There is also good commentary on Why Black Women Are Angry and Akindele Unleashed. And the time-line of events.
[tags]kwame kilpatrick, detroit, christine beatty[/tags]
Written by Maureen Francis
SKBK Sotheby's International Realty, 248.430.4450
Visit Website
Search for homes in Oakland County
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Content Black Woman 01.24.08 at 8:03 pm
Thanks for the link and the love.
Great site.
All the best,
CBW
Acid Jazz CD 05.15.10 at 1:43 am
Hello. Excellent work. We didn’t anticipate this. This is the great story. Many thanks!
Classical Guitar Tuners 05.27.10 at 4:44 am
Wow, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good post… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.