Charter Commission Chair Hendrix Resigns

Charter Commission Chair Hendrix Resigns after appointment to the Greektown Casino Board of Directors; Commission seeks qualified replacement.

Freman Hendrix, Chair of the 2009 Detroit Charter Revision Commission, has tendered his letter of resignation, effective September 14, 2010, to Commission Vice Chair Jenice Mitchell Ford. Hendrix, a 30- year veteran of public service, has served the people of Detroit starting as a city assessor and climbing up the ranks to serve as Deputy Mayor in the Archer Administration. Hendrix also ran against former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and later won a seat on the 2009 Charter Revision Commission. Mr. Hendrix’s knowledge of the workings of city government is vast and his knowledge base has served the Commission well.

Hendrix’s letter of resignation indicates, “I strongly believe that the work being done by the Commission is critical to the future of the city of Detroit. However, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has deemed my status as an elected official to be a conflict of interest with my appointment to the Greektown Casino Board of Directors.”

According to the rules of the Commission, Vice Chair Jenice Mitchell Ford will assume the role of Chair. Ford, like Hendrix, has guided the work of the Commission and has publicly endorsed the open and transparent process of the Commission. To date, the Commission has held better than 20 public meetings within geographically diverse areas of Detroit. Each meeting has attracted a cross section of Detroit residents and stakeholders who have voiced their concerns and have made recommendations to the Commission. In assuming the Chair of the Commission, Jenice Mitchell Ford, an attorney with the Detroit based, national law firm of Foley & Lardner LLP, has recommitted the Commission to work with the broad range of stakeholders in Detroit ranging from community block clubs, labor unions, business owners, sororities and fraternities, civic associations, philanthropic foundations and former elected and appointed officials. Chairperson Ford indicates, “The Commission welcomes recommendations on how to craft the best Charter from all metro-Detroiters who, like members of the Commission, want Detroit to be the best Detroit it can be. In this vein, we continue to hold meetings twice a month where we discuss with Detroit stakeholders the best way to put our arms around this challenge. Over the past 8 months, we have had a host of subject matter expert speakers present information on the Charter to educate Detroiters on both the limitations and possibilities presented by a Charter revision. We understand that the Charter revision process is an intense data driven process that will take cooperation, perseverance and time. I invite Detroiters who live and work in our area to join us and make their voice heard.”

With the resignation of Hendrix from the Charter Commission, the Commission, under its rules, has 30 days from the departure of the previous Commissioner to fill the vacancy. Mr. Hendrix’s resignation is effective September 14, 2010 and therefore the Commission has until October 14, 2010 to replace Mr. Hendrix. To be eligible to replace Commissioner Hendrix, the candidate must be a qualified voter of the City of Detroit (city resident and age of majority) and cannot be a current employee of the city of Detroit.

Any qualified candidate can submit information for consideration by the full Commission. The vote of the Commission is final in determining its replacements. To be considered, please submit the following information by 5:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 24, 2010.

(a) A letter of interest addressed to the Commission’s Personnel Committee;
(b) An affidavit indicating your eligibility; and
(c) Your resume and three letters of reference.

The above information can be mailed or delivered to:

2009 Detroit Charter Revision Commission
ATTN: Personnel Committee, C. Blount
Cadillac Tower Building
65 Cadillac Square, Suite 3210
Detroit, Michigan 48226

If you have any questions in connection with this public announcement, please contact Mr. Gregory Hicks at 313.628.2516.