Cockrel defends self, performance in Detroit council debate

David Josar / The Detroit News

Detroit --Five challengers ganged up on City Council President Kenneth Cockrel Jr. during a televised debate Thursday night, forcing him to defend the often-beleaguered panel.

"I don't have to say anything to discredit the City Council," said Fred Elliott Hall, a first-time candidate and business man. "They've done plenty to discredit themselves."

Cockrel had none of it, saying "not all" members embarrassed themselves during his four years as president that featured frequent feuds.

"A lot of folks are saying this boils down to the old versus the new. But you've got to remember, I'm the guy who got called Shrek. I want change," said Cockrel, referring to former Councilwoman Monica Conyers' infamous insult of him.

The 90-minute debate at Greektown Casino, broadcast live on WADL-TV 38, also featured social worker Saunteel Jenkins, accountant Lisa Howze, former police spokesman James Tate and retired police Lt. Shelley Foy.

Almost all challengers called for a forensic audit to search for fraud and cut an estimated $300 million deficit that threatens the city with insolvency. Hall criticized the council for failing to push for one sooner.

"We need to start somewhere," he said. "We cannot afford to not do it."

Foy, who is now a high school teacher, said the city can't even predict what services to cut until completing a forensic audit.

Howze also pushed for one, but added she wouldn't oppose a "strategic bankruptcy" to restructure debt and obligations.

"We have to do something or have something done to you," Howze said. "We are in a dire situation."

Cockrel said the council doesn't oppose an audit, but warned they can cost "hundreds of millions of dollars."

"There are other ways to get at (the) issue of corruption and waste and fraud," Cockrel said.

He also came under criticism from Tate, who accused the council of delaying for two years ordinances that would allow private firms to hire off-duty officers in uniform. Several cities have done so and reported success in cutting crime.

Cockrel blamed former Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings for failing to fix legal questions in the proposal and return it to the council.

Jenkins said the key to ending violence is cooperation between the council and mayor and properly funding police.

"We've reduced youth violence before ..." she said. "There has to be a better use of resources."

The debate was the first of three to be televised live by WADL in the 18-candidate field.

They continue Thursday and Oct. 29.