Who wants to be the emergency manager for Detroit? A letter to Governor Rick Snyder suggests Charlie Beckham is the best selection.
Beckham started working in the Detroit mayor's office for Coleman Young, and nearly four decades later he resigned his position with Dave Bing's administration in 2010.
No one has signed the letter drafted by the Detroit Coalition of Community Leaders. It includes 36 names of prominent Detroiters who, according to the letter, are endorsing Beckham as emergency manager, including Detroit police officer John Bennett.
"Of the names that I've heard mentioned, I think, by far, he's the most qualified person," Bennett remarked.
He said he is in favor of Beckham as emergency manager, but other people listed as endorsing Beckham say hold the phone.
Mike Duggan, who is exploring a run for mayor himself, said he had no knowledge of his name being included and had no involvement in the drafting of the letter.
Dan McNamara, Detroit fire union boss, and Mark Diaz, police union boss, both said they never endorsed Beckham for emergency manager.
What is Bennett's reaction to his name being included in the letter?
"I don't have a problem with that. I know there's a big uproar over that, but I've talked to Charlie. He seems like a capable person. I think he's qualified. He can do the job. I don't have a problem with my name being added to that list," he said. "Let me say again I'm not in favor of an emergency manager, but faced with the prospects I want somebody who knows what to do."
I tried to reach Beckham for comment on this story, but was unsuccessful.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:03:31 GMT
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74 year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74 year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:54 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:54:31 GMT
Four people were shot and injured Sunday outside a house on Lakepoint in Detroit. The shooter, in a gold truck, is still on the loose.
Four people were shot and injured Sunday outside a house on Lakepoint in Detroit. We're told a group of 10 people were drinking and partying outside the house when a gold truck rolled down the street and started firing.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:52:35 GMT
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Friday, January 18 2013 10:59 PM EST2013-01-19 03:59:24 GMT
Students, teammates, and family members gathered Friday night, remembering Toron Murphy Jr. A senior at Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Detroit, Murphy Jr. died this past Tuesday after tragically
Students, teammates, and family members gathered Friday night, remembering Toron Murphy Jr. A senior at Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Detroit, Murphy Jr. died this past Tuesday after tragically
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:01:16 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Wednesday, May 8 2013 10:37 PM EDT2013-05-09 02:37:53 GMT
A Wayne-Westland firefighter's life has been tragically cut short. Wednesday, 29-year-old Brian Woehlke was killed on the job. He leaves behind a wife and young daughter.
A Wayne-Westland firefighter's life has been tragically cut short. Wednesday, 29-year-old Brian Woehlke was killed on the job. He leaves behind a wife and young daughter.
Friday, May 3 2013 10:31 PM EDT2013-05-04 02:31:05 GMT
A beloved girls basketball coach at Cody High School is one of the latest victims of deadly gun violence in Detroit. Family, friends and players gathered on Friday to remember Coach Charles Knott.
A beloved girls basketball coach at Cody High School is one of the latest victims of deadly gun violence in Detroit. Family, friends and players gathered on Friday to remember Coach Charles Knott.
Sunday, April 28 2013 9:33 PM EDT2013-04-29 01:33:01 GMT
An investigation is underway into Saturday's explosion and fire at the Marathon refinery in Detroit. On Sunday, residents reported a strong "rotten egg" smell in the area.
An investigation is underway into Saturday's explosion and fire at the Marathon refinery in Detroit. On Sunday, crews were re-testing air quality and residents reported a strong "rotten egg" smell following the incident.
Sunday, April 28 2013 12:41 AM EDT2013-04-28 04:41:28 GMT
A Marathon Petroleum spokesman says no one was hurt after a fire at a refinery in Detroit Saturday. The fire is out, no one hurt, cause under investigation.
A Marathon Petroleum spokesman says no one was hurt after a fire at a refinery in Detroit Saturday. Fox 2 has learned the fire started in one of the smaller tanks; the fire is out and the cause is being investigated.
Charlie Beckham (Credit: Fox 2 News)
