Bing wants insider for DPS Finanical Manager, Friday Firing revealed

As reported on Friday by detroitblank, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing sacked a longtime friend and ally. The move seemed somewhat odd and uncharacteristic for the Mayor who is known to keep long-term relationships close.  The firing of Kirk Lewis, former liaison for Bing to the Obama and Snyder administrations, was awkward. Lewis was and is considered extremely reliable and loyal to Bing. It led to some speculation there might have been a falling out. And with the City's history of corrupt politics, it would not be unrealistic to surmise that Bing discovered something he did not like and took care of it. Also, the firing of Lewis was thrown in with others dismissals and administration shuffling and created a smoke screen.

48 hours later the reasoning behind Lewis' dismissal has been revealed. Bing wants Lewis to take over for Robert Bobb as the Detroit Public Schools financial manager. Mayor Bing and community leaders met with Gov. Snyder for nearly an hour, trying to persuade Snyder to hire Lewis.


 March 6 The Detroit Free Press

During an hour-long meeting with Snyder, Bing and other community leaders urged the governor to reconsider appointing Kirk Lewis, who abruptly resigned from a top position in the mayor's office Friday, to avoid the appearance of a mayoral takeover of the struggling school system.

 

"This is not an intent to compromise his qualifications, but we realize that while Detroit Public Schools is an integral part of the city's success, it is also a very sensitive subject," mayoral spokeswoman Karen Dumas said. "We don't want to give any appearance of impropriety. We have worked hard to gain the trust of the citizens and feel this will compromise that."

Mayor Bing is walking a political tightrope. Technically, the Mayor's office is not responsible for the public schools. However, he will be blamed if the situation worsens. The DPS has almost the same debt as the City itself, hence the creation of a financial manger. Current manager Robert Bobb was hired by Governor Granholm and the contract expires in June. Decisions have been getting harder for Bobb. Under the proposed budget by Governor Snyder, DPS might have to close 1/2 the schools and put 60 kids in a classroom.

If this happens Detroit residents will react. Bing does not want this. He needs the next financial manager to be trustworthy and someone the public might grudgingly support.. Bing thinks Lewis is that man. However, can Lewis pass a GOP test in Lansing. Some members of the legislature do not want anyone with the slightest connection to Detroit; like the consultant who comes in and fires half the office, never to be seen again. Bing is not that naive. He knows Detroiters want someone they can trust. Someone who can put a little sugar in the medicine as it goes down. Time will tell if Snyder gets the prescription right.