Exclusive: Hendrix Calls for Kilpatrick Resignation, Considers Mayoral Run
Vickie Thomas, Scott Ryan Reporting
Detroit (WWJ) -- Former Detroit mayoral candidate Freman Hendrix is calling on Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick to resign.
In a one-on-one interview with WWJ's citybeat reporter Vickie Thomas Sunday night, Hendrix said it was time for Kilpatrick to step down and let the city more forward. "This scandal has been looming for...going on four months, five months, and you guys have been calling me for months trying to get a comment from me and I do not want to appear as some political vulture perched on a tree hoping for this guy's demise."
"At some point you really have to put the welfare of the city, of the taxpayers, of the people who live here first, and I think if he's honest about doing that, I don't think there's any other conclusion he can come to than to step aside," Hendrix added.
He spoke at his third annual Friends, Family, and Volunteers dinner, which included hundreds of attendees, including former Deputy Police Chief Gary Brown, who won part of the controversial $8.4 million whistleblower lawsuit that is tied to the ongoing mayoral text message scandal. "As you can see from this event, Detroiters are just starving for some leadership, leadership that's honest, with integrity," Brown said.
Hendrix also said he is considering another run for mayor, but stopped just short of making an official announcement, saying "Tonight, I'm not prepared to make that statement because it's just not time yet." He lost a close contest to Kilpatrick in 2005, following three years in the private sector. Before that, Hendrix served as Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor under Mayor Dennis Archer. Currently, he is Eastern Michigan University's chief government relations officer. He is a 1982 grad of EMU.
Hendrix's website still lists events from his 2005 campaign.
Jazz Fest 8/29
Chris Collins, Director of Jazz studies at Wayne State University, has info about the Detroit International Jazz Fest in Detroitl
Education Minute 8/29
WWJ's Pat Vitale explains some ways for high school students to get the jump on college credits.
Feldman Report-P.M. 8/29
WWJ and Fox2's erudite Biz Man Murray Feldman has financial news that you and your family can live with.
GreatStuff 8/29
Lots of action this long weekend and Roberta Jasina aptly covers the biggies.
Caring For Aging Parents - 8/29
WWJ's Pat Sweeting advises that a Geriatric Medicine Specialist may be better suited to care for your aging parents' needs.
WWJ Newsradio 950 is Detroit's only all-news radio station and is the leader in Detroit radio news. Listen online to WWJ-AM 950 for live, local Detroit news, up-to-the-minute Detroit traffic, Detroit sports, Detroit business and Detroit community information. WWJ Newsradio 950 is an award winning radio station and you can listen online and podcast on demand Detroit news, Detroit Construction Alerts, Detroit School Closings, Winter Survival Guide and learn more about our Business Breakfasts. www.wwj.com.
step down and let the city more forward. "This scandal has been looming for...going on four months, five months, and you guys have been calling me for months trying to get a comment from me and I do not want to appear as some political vulture perched on a tree hoping for this guy's demise." 
