Friday, February 6, 2009

Kilpatrick's job status in Texas under wraps
Radio personality's spokeswoman doesn't deny consideration, says it could be a possibility.
David Josar and George hunter / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- Thursday was decision day for Kwame Kilpatrick's job hunt, but allies won't say if the disgraced former mayor is gainfully employed.

Kilpatrick, who was released from jail early Tuesday after 99 days, was expected to learn if an unnamed company's board signed off on his job. But Kilpatrick's lawyers, prosecutors and potential employers remain tight-lipped.

"He got on a plane, he went where he went, and I'm sure he's going to enjoy the weekend with his family," said Kilpatrick attorney James C. Thomas.

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Kilpatrick flew to Dallas on a plane chartered by his mother, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, for $13,500.

His wife and three children have lived since December in Southlake, Texas, an affluent suburb. He's due back in Detroit on Monday.

Several Dallas employers -- Comerica Bank, megachurch Potter's House, the city of Dallas and others -- have said they aren't considering Kilpatrick.

Maiya Hollie, a spokeswoman for Dallas-based radio personality Tom Joyner, wouldn't go that far when asked if Kilpatrick is in line for a job with Joyner's company, Reach Media, or the Tom Joyner Foundation, which raises money for black colleges.

"Kwame Kilpatrick and Tom Joyner have been friends for quite some time," she said. "Friends ... have worked on projects raising money for the foundation, which provides scholarships to historically black colleges and universities."

She added that Kilpatrick does not have a job with Joyner, but that could change.

Kilpatrick attended Florida A & M University, which has been historically black. A spokesman for the school said the former mayor is not a candidate for a job with the university. Terrence Hunt, president of the university's Dallas chapter, said he has "extended a hand" to Kilpatrick now that he may be moving to the area, but hasn't heard back.

http://detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar ... 10/METRO01