Embattled Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano apologizes during State of the County speech

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano apologized to his constituents during his State of the County message Wednesday night.

“Some members of my team have clearly let the people of Wayne County down,” Ficano said. “I agree with those who have said, ‘We should have done better.’”

“For letting you down, I apologize,” Ficano said. “My pledge to you tonight is that we will do better, and I will do a better job myself.”

The speech comes as Ficano’s administration is in the midst of the Turkia Mullin Severance Scandal and a federal investigation.

The past six months have been filled with turmoil for Ficano's administration, beginning with the revelation that the county's former economic development chief, Turkia Mullin, was given a $200,000 severance package.

The money was returned, but led to an investigation by the FBI. Ficano has said he's cooperating with authorities.

During Wednesday’s speech Ficano went on to say “Despite the headlines, Wayne County is still open for business.”

The speech itself focused on the problems Wayne County is still facing because of the Great Recession. Ficano focused on the ways Wayne County can attract jobs and increase growth.