DETROIT (AP) — The judge overseeing Detroit’s bankruptcy case has opened the second hearing by telling the public that he doesn’t run city hall.
Judge Steven Rhodes says local officials are “in full control” of Detroit services. He says any complaints or compliments should go to them.
It’s not clear what motivated the judge’s message Friday at the start of a hearing to set key deadlines in the case.
Detroit filed for Chapter 9 protection two weeks ago, citing a debt load of at least $18 billion. Rhodes still must decide whether the city is eligible for bankruptcy. A trial is possible in late October.
Rhodes last week put a stop to lawsuits in state court that threatened to derail the case. He says he’ll take up the challenges at the appropriate time.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.