LANSING – State Representative Mike Simpson (D-Jackson) today called on Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick to resign as mayor because his legal troubles are a distraction and hurting job growth in Detroit and the state.
"In these difficult economic times, we need to concentrate on getting Michigan back on track," Simpson said. "Mayor Kilpatrick's troubles have embarrassed our state and threatened our ability to bring jobs and economic development to our region. We can't afford to have him harming our reputation any longer."
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.
"My No. 1 priority is bringing good-paying jobs to Jackson County," Simpson said. "We need to concentrate on getting our residents back to work, not the Mayor of Detroit's high jinks. Detroit's troubles hurt all of us – that's why Mayor Kilpatrick needs to step down immediately."