Community Forum on Bankruptcy Sparks Conversation and Criticism
Protestors shout at Governor, bankruptcy judge.
Thursday marks one year since Detroit emerged from the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. In November, WDET and the Detroit Journalism Cooperative presented news reports, features, and conversations about how the city has changed in the past 12 months. On Wednesday, they presented “Detroit Bankruptcy: One Year Later”, a public forum at Wayne State University‘s Community Arts Auditorium. Most of the people who attended came to hear what Governor Rick Snyder, Mayor Mike Duggan, and retired judge Steven Rhodes, who presided over the Chapter Nine case. Protesters in the audience said the bankruptcy was harmful, especially to retired city workers whose pensions were cut. Demonstrators booed the governor, and drowned out Judge Rhodes. Mayor Duggan never got on stage, as the decision was made to end the forum earlier than expected. WDET News Director Jerome Vaughn and Senior News Editor Pat Batcheller talked about the evening’s events. Click on the audio player to hear the conversation.
For complete coverage of Detroit’s bankruptcy and its impact one year later, visit Next Chapter Detroit.
