Can someone explain why the Detroit Emergency Manger isn't unconstitutional

[bigdarryl]

He's not an elected official and he has more power that the elected Mayor and the courts seem to let this go by WTF

[HiPointDem]

1. kr

[brooklynite]

2. Here's an answer...you don't have a legal right to municipal Democracy

Seriously.

States are sovereign. They get to decide how to govern their localities. They MAY (and usually do) allow local elections, and may grant local officials governmental powers (nb - here in New York, NYC cannot change tax or revenue laws without approval by the State Legislature); however they can always change their mind. The Detroit Emergency Manager is appointed by the Elected State Government and vested with whatever authority the State Government wants to give him/her.

[MineralMan]

3. The US Constitution says nothing about municipal government.

If you look in most state Constitutions, though, they have the ability to take over a city or county government under certain conditions written into their Constitutions. Check yours. It's probably in there.