Emergency manager critics win ruling on suit

DETROIT (AP) -- A federal judge overseeing Detroit's bankruptcy says a lawsuit can go forward challenging Michigan's emergency manager law. The July bankruptcy filing put a hold on litigation involving Detroit and certain state officials. But Judge Steven Rhodes said Wednesday the lawsuit can proceed as long as it doesn't seek to remove the city's emergency manager, Kevyn Orr. Rhodes says plaintiffs in that lawsuit have agreed to that condition. The case is pending before another judge in Detroit federal court. In his decision, Rhodes says a second similar lawsuit must remain suspended. Critics of the emergency manager law say it's unconstitutional. The governor can send a manager into distressed communities, trumping the power of elected officials. Published: Fri, Nov 8, 2013