Mystery letter endorsing Beckham for Detroit EM sent to Snyder
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By Ron Savage, Fox 2 News -
Charlie Beckham (Credit: Fox 2 News)
DETROIT (WJBK) -
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.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:41 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:41:43 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
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Charlie Beckham (Credit: Fox 2 News)
