Detroit lawyer says she just did her job with challenge

DETROIT (AP) -- Detroit's top lawyer is defending her role in challenging a consent agreement between the city and the state that was designed to head off appointment of an emergency financial manager. Krystal Crittendon told the Detroit Free Press last week that she was trying to fulfill her duties under the revised Detroit city charter when she brought the legal action. Mayor Dave Bing said he opposed her challenge, and an Ingham County judge dismissed the case last Wednesday. Crittendon's suit said Detroit couldn't enter into a contract with Michigan because the state owed it money, and the charter barred contracts under such circumstances. She says the dispute wasn't a personal matter. The consent agreement spells out terms Detroit officials must fulfill in order to overcome the city's deficit crisis. Published: Mon, Jun 18, 2012