Detroit officials dispute mayor's ouster

DETROIT, May 21 (UPI) -- Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick should have a veto over a resolution asking Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm to remove him from office, the city's top lawyer says.

Corporation Counsel John Johnson Jr. told the city counsel Tuesday that its members violated the city charter by sending the resolution to Granholm before May 27, The Detroit News reported. William Goodman, the council's lawyer disagrees.

"How can the mayor be in a position to veto legislation, which in effect would take away his power, including the power to veto? It doesn't make any sense," he said. "It's a trick bag."

Kilpatrick and his former chief of staff, Christine Beatty, are under indictment for allegedly lying about an affair and about their role in the firings of police officers.

The resolution and another one to begin removal proceedings in the council passed by 5-4 votes.

Councilman Kwame Kenyatta suggested that Granholm is probably reluctant to act on the council resolution.

"I'm sure this is a potato she doesn't want hot or cold," he told the News.