CHANGING of THE GUARD!

Bing to Snyder: Don’t hire ex-aide

   Detroit Mayor Dave Bing tells Gov. Rick Snyder that making Bing’s former aide Kirk Lewis the new emergency financial manager for Detroit schools may rile some Detroiters . 3A  

DPS manager pick ruffles Bing

Snyder asked to rethink to avoid appearance of mayoral takeover

By STEVE NEAVLING FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

   Mayor Dave Bing made a last-minute plea to Gov. Rick Snyder on Saturday to change his choice for the next emergency financial manager for Detroit Public Schools, saying the appointment could create unrest among Detroiters.

   During an hour-long meeting with Snyder, Bing and other community leaders urged the governor to reconsider appointing Kirk Lewis, who abruptly resigned from a top position in the mayor’s office Friday, to avoid the appearance of a mayoral takeover of the struggling school system.

   “This is not an intent to compromise his qualifications, but we realize that while Detroit Public Schools is an integral part of the city’s success, it is also a very sensitive subject,” mayoral spokeswoman Karen Dumas said. “We don’t want to give any appearance of impropriety. We have worked hard to gain the trust of the citizens and feel this will compromise that.”

   Snyder had planned to hire Lewis and make a gradual transition from Robert Bobb, the current emergency financial manager whose contract expires in June, according to a source in the Snyder administration who is familiar with thesituation. That plan, the source said, is now up in the air.

   Snyder’s communications team declined to say whom the governor plans to appoint or whether the meeting with Bing changed Snyder’s mind.

   “The governor and mayor have been working closely and have a good working relationship,” said Snyder spokeswoman Sara Wurfel.

   Bing had expressed a desire to oversee the district, but only if voters approved the move. In July, the City Council voted against putting the issue before voters.

   Bing has been vague about Lewis’ resignation, saying the former chief government and corporate affairs officer was pursuing “other career options.”

   Lewis was an integral part of Bing’s life for years, first as president of the mayor’s former business, the Bing Group.

   Lewis couldn’t be reached for comment Saturday.

   School Board President Anthony Adams expressed relief that Bing was not supporting the appointment.

   “There were a lot of people in the community who believed the mayor was trying to take over the school district,” Adams said. “We need cooperation right now, not divisions.”

   • STAFF WRITER CHRIS CHRISTOFF CONTRIBUTED TO THIS REPORT.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, left, used to employ Kirk Lewis as the city’s chief government and corporate affairs officer.