Council meeting called to address firing of top lawyer ends in chaos

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Mayor Dave Bing called the meeting, then abruptly left.

The mayor endured 30 minutes of the public bashing him during the public comment section, then excused himself saying he had a conference call with Washington, DC.

He never returned, and held a sudden news conference instead.

"I don't know who he thinks he is. He's not a king. He's not some prince that just swoops in," said City Council President Charles Pugh. "I don't know why he's offended that he has to listen to the people of the city of Detroit."

"It's always unfortunate when we allow a small group of individuals with alternative agendas to present themselves as representative of honest, public opinion," Bing said. "I think our council and its leadership must be more responsible and respectful to the office of the mayor and the citizens of Detroit."

Mayor Bing called the meeting earlier this week after Crittendon refused his request to resign.

The mayor says he cannot work with Crittendon because of the lawsuit she filed challenging the Consent Agreement with the State of Michigan. The lawsuit was quickly dismissed by a judge but Bing said Crittendon's actions have already led to much damage.

Bing says the city could lose millions because credit agencies downgraded the city's bond rating in the midst of all the turmoil.

Crittendon argued that the state could not enter into the agreement with the city because it currently owes the city money under a revenue sharing agreement. She says that the city charter does not allow new contracts with bodies that owe the city money.

The state says it does not owe the city any money and the Consent Agreement is valid.