Ken Cockrel Jr. Prepares to be Sworn in as Detroit's
Next Mayor

The city clerk's office has prepared paperwork to allow for the transition of power between Kilpatrick and Cockrel, who as council president becomes mayor.

A Detroit police officer delivered paperwork to Cockrel's office at 10:50 a.m. to enable the setting up of an executive protection unit for the new mayor.

Cockrel is in his city council office on the 13th floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.

Daniel Cherrin, a newly hired adviser to Cockrel, told reporters at 11 that Cockrel would issue a statement after Gov. Jennifer Granholm issues hers. Cockrel is still trying to determine the effective date of Kilpatrick's resignation and is speaking with city council lawyers about their interpretation of the plea agreement.

Cockrel just learned of Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings' retirement, Cherrin said.

Cockrel watched Kilpatrick's court proceedings on television, Cherrin said.

"It was somber," Cherrin said of Cockrel's mood while he watched the plea deal. "It's an interesting day for us all in the city of Detroit."

Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel said Cockrel is up to the job.

"I believe that he is a person of personal asset," she said. "He's a steadying influence. There's not a lot of drama."

Sheila Cockrel said it's unclear when exactly the handover in power would occur.

"The next 14 days will be a transition," she said. "I believe that the council will come together, that we will meet the challenge of the moment."

Source: Freep.com