Ficano, Wayne Co. Executive explains action and need for political clout…

The Detroit Free Press  03/02/12  John Wisely

“Ficano Defends Need for ‘Political Muscle:  He says he has always worked in public’s interest”

http://www.freep.com/article/20120302/NEWS02/203020405/Wayne-County-Executive-Robert-Ficano-defends-need-for-political-muscle-says-he-has-always-worked-in-public-s-interest

In a nearly two-hour interview Thursday with the Free Press, embattled Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano talked unapologetically about why he needs "political muscle" at times to protect the interests of Wayne County.

With his administration the target of a federal investigation since last fall and several county commissioners calling on him to resign, Ficano stood his ground, saying of the various revelations and federal charges: "Nothing reflects on me personally."

Ficano's meeting with the Free Press was his first lengthy interview since a scandal erupted in September over a $200,000 severance payment he gave to former chief development officer Turkia Awada Mullin.

The scandal prompted an internal review, a County Commission task force and a federal investigation that already has prompted criminal charges against two men who worked in the county's information technology department. Ficano also has fired or demoted several other high-ranking appointees.

Ficano said the money that he raises politically is used to push an agenda of public policy that's good for the region. His political action committee has raised more than $900,000 in recent years, much of it spent to help friendly legislators and county commissioners.

Common Sense Review

I think it is time to clean house in Wayne County, from the top down, is it me?  Every article coming out of Detroit is about fraud and misuse of funds.  No more coddling..

These people have been given responsibility, authority and opportunity.  Yet their personal interests have become more important than the taxpayers and citizens