Legal challenge to consent agreement filed

DETROIT (AP) -- Detroit has filed a legal challenge to a consent agreement with Michigan designed as an alternative to a state takeover of the city's finances. The Detroit Free Press reports that chief city lawyer Krystal Crittendon last Friday asked the Court of Claims to overturn the deal. Crittendon says Michigan law prohibits intergovernmental agreements in which one side owes money to the other. Gov. Rick Snyder spokeswoman Geralyn Lasher says Michigan plans to proceed with the consent agreement, regardless of any suit. Detroit Mayor Dave Bing says he doesn't want a fight and will abide by the outcome of the case. Bing's proposed budget would cut about 2,500 jobs, roughly a quarter of the city's workforce. It's part of a plan to fix the city's deficit and long-term debt problems. Published: Tue, Jun 5, 2012