Detroit (WWJ) -- The state government building in Detroit's New Center was abuzz with activity early Wednesday morning leading up to the start of hearings that could lead to the removal of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
State Police troopers were visible with Detroit police officers outside the entrances of the building, with a bomb squad truck parked nearby.
Just 25 seats were available for the public. State officials were prepared with tickets and a lottery drawing in anticipation of a large crowd, but only a handful of people were waiting outside the entrance.
Among those waiting was Duane Montgomery, an engineer who was running for the Mayor's office. He told WWJ he wanted not only to witness the historic event, he wanted to learn the mistakes that were made if he were fortunate enough to be elected to the position. While he would support whatever decision was made by the governor, others waiting in line said its time for the city to move on, along with the mayor.
Other groups would make their presecne known on the sidewalk outside Cadillac Place, including members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union local 207, which has locked horns with the mayor in the past.
Two men who refused to identify their group were handing out T-shirts with silhouettes of the Mayor on the front and the biblical passage John 8:32 on the back, reading "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." There were also members of a group wearing "Recall Kilpatrick" shirts gathering signatures at the corner.
Carter Bentley, 25, of Detroit wore one of the white T-shirts being handed out by Kilpatrick supporters and called the governor's removal hearing a "charade.''
"It doesn't make any sense to make something so big out of something so small,'' the hairstylist said.
Preston West of Detroit led a group wearing ``Recall the Mayor'' shirts who passed around a petition to have Kilpatrick recalled from office. The 63-year-old retired emergency medical services officer said he doesn't believe opponents should wait for the governor or another legal process to remove the mayor from office.
"With all the legal wrangling that he's doing ... they may never actually get to the point of him leaving office,'' he said.
West and the other recall advocates at one point traded angry words with a group of Kilpatrick supporters on the sidewalk. A Detroit police officer intervened and told both sides to remain respectful.
City employees near downtown speaking to WWJ on the condition of anonymity say they are hopeful the hearings will be over soon, citing the toll it has taken on the city.
One worker was resentful the way the Mayor has put himself before the city. Another employee cites a breakdown in the checks and balances at city hall. One employee put it this way: "If you put the city on a heart monitor, it would be flatlining."
Milwaukee Avenue was barricaded to traffic. News trucks from local and out-state media filled the parking along Cass Avenue.
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