Posted on 03/27/2008 11:14:34 AM PDT by ShadowDancer
Mathis: I Do Not Support Mayor
Judge Mathis Denies Heading Up Defense Fund
POSTED: 12:57 pm EDT March 27, 2008
UPDATED: 1:11 pm EDT March 27, 2008
DETROIT -- Embattled Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is establishing a legal defense fund called The Detroit Justice Fund to pay his mounting legal bills.
"Of course, all fundraising requirements will be met," said an official from the Mayor's office. "There will be no set donation amounts."
One of the names tied to heading up this defense fund committee was Detroit native Judge Greg Mathis. On Thursday, Mathis sent out a statement denying his involvement.
"I was contacted Wednesday afternoon by Mayor Kilpatrick. He asked if I could serve on his legal defense committee. I informed him, I support due process, but I could not support him. This is the same type of deceit that has plunged our city into a deep crisis. Not only do I not support him, but I recommend he resign so the city can heal and move forward."
Kilpatrick is being represented by Chicago defense lawyer Dan Webb, who reportedly charges $700 per hour for his services.
The mayor is charged with perjury, conspiracy, obstruction of justice and misconduct in connection with the firing of Detroit police officers Gary Brown and Harold Nelthrope, as well as his apparent affair with his former chief of staff, Christine Beatty.
It's alleged Kilpatrick lied under oath in the officer's whistleblower lawsuit trial that eventually cost the city more than $9 million.
Rich Robinson with the Michigan Campaign Finance Network says a legal defense fund on behalf of the mayor is not illegal or improper.
"He would be able to take money from basically any sources with no limits on contributions," said Robinson.
A legal defense fund would have to be created as a nonprofit organization, with one of the few stipulations being high-dollar donors with contributions over $5,000 would have to be listed on a tax return.
"And we won't see a 2008 tax return until very late in 2009, so we're gonna have a really hard time following the money as events are unfolding," said Robinson.
Who would want to contribute to this moron’s defense fund, especially since it’s so obvious that he’s toast?
Can’t he just use city funds like always?
Mathis is a Seventh day Adventist, I could have told Kwame he wouldn’t go that far.
The Mayor needs a lawyer. Eliot Spitzer is available.
Is Kwame Kilpatrick an Obama Superdelegate?
Now, where did I put my checkbook?
In our world, he will be a guest speaker at the dem convention and the NAACP. In five years, he'll run for governor.
Thanks, I’ll e-mail a check right away so that this poor man can hire a good lawyer.
The council is watching him like a hawk. They just fired a city lawyer that was also working on the defense of Kwame. They are trying to pass a resolution limiting his expenses without approval to 5000 from 25,000. Seems there are a lot of checks made out for 24999.
Also, rumors he is shaking down the city employees to contribute to the Legal Defense Fund.
The “hip-hop” mayor should soon be hippety hopping his way to the big house.
Defense fund? Good idea. Initiate criminal investigations of all the people who donate to it. Bet you’d find a real snake pit.
No offense to snakes.
“The “hip-hop” mayor should soon be hippety hopping his way to the big house”
Or the White House.
“The “hip-hop” mayor should soon be hippety hopping his way to the big house”
Or the White House.
Don’t even get me started on this subject. Alll who know me know where I stand.
I know more than where you stand. :P
Will hizzoner take PayPal???
Just kidding, I know they'd try to get me to pony up the cash.
Gimme some money...gimme yo money
Alll who know me know where I stand.
On this subject, yes. But only I know all of you. In all the world, I know you best and love you best.
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