A Who's Who of former Wayne County government honchos -- including some folks who are under indictment or have been convicted of crimes -- are among 51 people receiving free lifetime health benefits, according to the Detroit News.
Joel Kurth and Christine MacDonald of the Detroit News report that the recipients of this sweet deal include Bernard Kilpatrick, father of former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who faces federal corruption charges; Wilbourne Kelley, a former airport official who served prison time for extortion; Emma Bell, a former county official who pleaded guilty last year to tax evasion and Arthur Blackwell II, a former county official who faces charges in connection with his his compensation as Highland Park emergency manager.
Since 1994, under an ordinance, deputy or assistant executives, department heads or commissioners were eligible for the benefit after eight years of service. Last Fall, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano put an end to the benefits for new employees.
