LANSING – State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) today called on Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick to resign because his legal troubles are a distraction that is hurting job growth and economic development not just in the Detroit region but throughout the state.
"The events taking place in Detroit jeopardize our work to attract good-paying jobs and major investors to Michigan," Brown said. "I join the growing number of citizens and leaders who are calling on Kwame Kilpatrick to put the interests of Michigan first and step down so we can all focus on moving forward. It's time to get back to the business of rebuilding our state."
Kilpatrick has been mired in mounting legal troubles, including violating bail conditions for a perjury case against him and a former aide and facing felony charges for allegedly assaulting a sheriff's deputy. Faith leaders, elected officials, newspapers and everyday citizens have called for Kilpatrick to step aside as mayor of Detroit.
"We cannot afford any more distractions from our most challenging and most important job, which is creating jobs and turning our economy around," Brown said. "We have tremendous potential for economic development, but Michigan being in the national news because of the Detroit mayor's problems sends the wrong message. Kwame Kilpatrick should resign and remove a significant obstacle on Michigan's road to economic recovery."