The Former "Hip Hop Mayor" Of Detroit Lands A New Job

Software exec. defends hiring ex-Detroit mayor

DETROIT — The head of a computer software company defended the hiring of former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick as an account executive Friday, saying the convicted felon is "uniquely qualified" to sell high-tech services in the health care field.

But Peter Karmanos of Compuware Corp. said Kilpatrick could be fired depending on the results of an ongoing investigation of corruption during his years at City Hall.

"If he has screwed up more than what's come out he knows he's done," Karmanos told WJR-AM radio host Paul W. Smith. "But I think it's worth a chance. If everything works out we'll have a very talented person. If it doesn't, well, it was a nice try."

Kilpatrick is going to work for Covisint, a Compuware subsidiary in Dallas, Karmanos said. His family already is renting a home in Southlake, an affluent Dallas suburb.

The former mayor served 99 days in jail for obstruction of justice in a civil trial and assault on a pair of Wayne County investigators. He still needs court approval to transfer his probation to Texas.

Kilpatrick's lawyers tried to get approval for him to fly to Dallas for job training Friday. But a judge wasn't willing to immediately consider it Thursday and instead set a hearing for Feb. 24.

In August, Karmanos was among business and community leaders who privately urged the county prosecutor to consider a plea deal with Kilpatrick.

"We've given a lot of people second chances, third chances," Karmanos said of Compuware. "Generally, it's always worked out very well for us."

He acknowledged Kilpatrick has a "very checkered background" but said his "charisma" will be helpful in calling on customers, especially state governments, who want to put health records in electronic form.

It's a "very unique job that he is uniquely qualified for. ... It's a good business decision, and that's it," Karmanos said.

Kilpatrick, a Democrat, resigned in September after nearly seven years as mayor. The FBI and U.S. attorney's office are investigating corruption during his tenure.