Judge says council can't oust Kilpatrick

DETROIT, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- A judge denied Detroit City Council's efforts to oust Mayor Kwami Kilpatrick, ruling only felony convictions or moving from Detroit can oust city officials.

Wayne County Judge Robert Ziolkowski's ruling Monday came ahead of a council hearing scheduled to start Tuesday, the Detroit News reported.

Now the question about whether politicians -- not just the courts -- can unseat Kilpatrick shifts to a Sept. 3 hearing convened by Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

"At the end of the day, the goal is to get him out of office ... by any political means necessary," said Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel.

Lawyer Godfrey Dillard, who challenged the council's action on behalf of the city, said Ziolkowski's decision proved "we live in a democracy where the vote of the people is supreme."

Ziolkowski said the Detroit's City Charter granted city council power to oust public officials, but only if the officials are convicted of felonies or move outside Detroit.

Kilpatrick would have to leave office if he's convicted on any of the 10 felonies he faces in connection with an $8.4 million police whistle-blower settlement and claims of assaulting court officers trying to serve a subpoena.