This Oct. 1, 2013 photo shows the James Scott Fountain on Belle Isle in Detroit. With Detroit facing bankruptcy, all the city’s assets are being assessed; the Scott Fountain is valued at $43,560. (AP Photo/Detroit News, David Coates) DETROIT FREE PRESS OUT; HUFFINGTON POST OUT
DETROIT (AP) — A judge says he will allow the testimony of a key consultant working on Detroit’s finances at a trial to determine if the city is eligible to clean itself up in bankruptcy court.
Judge Steven Rhodes on Friday overruled objections by lawyers opposed to the bankruptcy. The lawyers argued that investment banker Ken Buckfire’s comments Thursday that the city’s finances were on a “razor’s edge” before July’s bankruptcy filing offered too much opinion.
Rhodes says Buckfire has “extensive personal knowledge” and that his testimony is “highly relevant” to his role as head of the city’s turnaround team.
Buckfire is being cross-examined Friday.
Police Chief James Craig also is expected to testify about the impact of Detroit’s dwindling finances on public safety.
