3rdworldcity Member Username: 3rdworldcity
Post Number: 1334 Registered: 01-2005
| Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 4:56 pm: | |
My guess: KK has pics of K screwing a goat. What aggrevates me is that K pooh poohs KK's extramarital affair while ignoring the fact that his felonies were for lying under oath. If KK ends up as Treasurer of the company down here, we can figure KK has pics of KK screwing Karmanos himself. (You'd be surprised at how much Texans know about the whole fiasco. While Texas is not immune from political corruption, down here when someone gets caught, most folks have no mercy and the idea that a guy like KK ending up working for a public company at the demand of the chairman is unheard of. A guy told me yesterday, "No wonder MI is so screwed up.") |
Brownfieldguy Member Username: Brownfieldguy
Post Number: 18 Registered: 02-2009
| Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 6:06 pm: | |
Well, ol' Karmanos has had his problems paying out money to senior executives at Compuware for sexual harassment lawsuits so my opinion of him is low. Although the cancer center efforts are very impressive. In interviews that I have heard, Karmanos comes off as rather unimpressive. I agree with 3rdworld, KK has some stuff on at least Karmanos (and probably others) that is helping him land a nice deal. I suspect KK is just calling in some chips in order to make ends meet. I hope it all goes nicely for KK. THEN let him get hammered by the feds for being "City Representative A." There is a certain greek tragedy aspect to that which I find appealing. What a mutha bumping piece of sheet. (Message edited by Brownfieldguy on February 12, 2009) |
Crumbled_pavement Member Username: Crumbled_pavement
Post Number: 687 Registered: 08-2007
| Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 6:28 pm: | |
According to the Freep he is having issues getting cleared to go to Texas to start training for this job. http://www.freep.com/article/2 0090212/NEWS01/90212064/Kilpat rick+runs+into+obstacles+with+ job I thought he was already in Texas. Did he come back to Michigan already? (Message edited by Crumbled_pavement on February 12, 2009) |
English Member Username: English
Post Number: 438 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 6:30 pm: | |
That was my original question, C_p. Since he's on probation, I have no idea how court supervision will work in his case. Any attorneys/judges lurking here? |
Haikoont Member Username: Haikoont
Post Number: 93 Registered: 09-2008
| Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 6:34 pm: | |
quote:Groner ordered prosecutors to file written responses to Kilpatrick’s motion by Feb. 19. He also ordered that the probation department review the motion and appear in court on Feb. 24 with recommendations. The motion Kilpatrick attorney James Thomas filed notes that Kilpatrick landed a job Monday and is due back in Texas tomorrow to go through unspecified training for his new job. “The orientation and training that is contemplated by the defendant’s employer require multiple team members to be flown to Dallas, Texas from locations throughout the country at no small expense,” Thomas wrote. KK might set a record for highest-maintenance employee ever. |
Realitycheck Member Username: Realitycheck
Post Number: 328 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 7:06 pm: | |
Matt Friedman, a local media and business commentator, says on his blog:quote:It will be impossible for him to do more good than harm. Before he even spends a day on the job, Kilpatrick has already cost his new employer in negative press and . . . negative employee morale. This hire also calls into question the relationship between Karmanos and Kilpatrick, which has a history of city contracts and campaign contributions. . . . Never mind a company “shooting itself in the foot.” This is a company breaking its own legs. |
Chrissy_snow Member Username: Chrissy_snow
Post Number: 442 Registered: 07-2008
| Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 7:22 pm: | |
It would have been different if KK had gotten a job with a company totally separate from any Detroit connections, one that chose to give him another chance based on his potential and professional experience. But for it to be Karmanos, a man who sucked mightily at the teat of Detroit during KK's reign of terror and was one of his most fervent supporters despite how WRONG he was - that's just a slap in the face to Detroit. Makes you wonder if this is the real reason KK finally resigned, because PK had already set him up for his "comeback" with a pretty sweetheart deal. Karmanos and his whole "cancer" foundation is just a joke anyway. There's a bolt of lightning with his name on it. |
Chrissy_snow Member Username: Chrissy_snow
Post Number: 443 Registered: 07-2008
| Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 7:26 pm: | |
I seriously hope that anyone ever fired from Karmanos for ethics violations is calling their lawyer to ready a lawsuit. Or anyone ever turned down for a job there because they had a felony record or lack of experience - I hope they're also looking into legal action, because with this hire, Karmanos/Covisint just announced that it doesn't matter! |
Brownfieldguy Member Username: Brownfieldguy
Post Number: 19 Registered: 02-2009
| Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 9:45 pm: | |
Chrissy, You are absolutely right. Some things just cannot be justified. But, Karmanos benefitted from his relationship with KK just as he will eventually do so with the next mayor. After the sexual harassment lawsuits I figured Karmanos was just another scumbag, but now I just do not know what words to use. If I was a buyer of his services I would really just want to change vendors. You can't change the fact that you are judged in part by whom you associate with. Think about it - he think's highly of Kwame Kilpatrick? How could you trust that guy? Its rhetorical because we all know you can't. So I think this is just a payoff/deal sort of thing. Kwame will do no work, but the expense is justified because of all the access and favors that Karmanos has received over the last six years. Its just so distasteful.... and so predictable. |
Brownfieldguy Member Username: Brownfieldguy
Post Number: 20 Registered: 02-2009
| Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 9:58 pm: | |
The thing that just pisses me off is tomorrow I will drive to work and will hear Paul W on WJR throw softball questions to Karmanos and yuck it up rather than actually ask some real direct questions. Paul W is a cheerleader and that is ok. Hell, we need some, but it will be the usual friendly banter with some attempt to ask the tough questions with rehearsed answers and little follow up. How about real direct questions like: "Is this a sick joke? What the hell are you thinking?" "What are you going to do when the feds file their charges?" "Isn't it really pretty obvious this guy is tied into the death of three strippers?" "How do you stand being in the same room with this guy?" But, we will be just nice and friendly or otherwise "access" to future interviews and such will be gone and, boy we cannot have that.. |
Brownfieldguy Member Username: Brownfieldguy
Post Number: 21 Registered: 02-2009
| Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 10:06 pm: | |
I forgot to add that at moments like this..... what we need is a good old interview with Bill Bonds. Something along the lines of the interview with Orin Hatch...... |
Thames Member Username: Thames
Post Number: 386 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 10:23 pm: | |
I was listening to Mildred Gaddis and the callers were saying that they wanted KK to have to stay in Detroit and try to make a living in the city he helped destroy. They said that he was too far removed from what real Detroiters live with everyday. They wanted him try to find work in the city, live in the city (where a police precinct was closed), deal with the crime, slow police response time, high taxes. Let HIM be the one that has to PAY to "play". Let him experience how difficult he's made it for everybody, from the home owners to the business owners. Most of them thought it was bullshit that he was allowed to fuck everything up and then skate. As much as I want him gone, I see their point. |
Birdwoman Member Username: Birdwoman
Post Number: 57 Registered: 06-2006
| Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 7:52 am: | |
Chrissy_snow: Right on. |
Buyamerican Member Username: Buyamerican
Post Number: 898 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 10:33 am: | |
Could it be that thug KK has something on Pete that he's kept in the safe until he needed to pull it out for help? Could it be that Karmanos is being extorted or blackmailed by this narcissistic, psycotic KK? |
Thnk2mch Member Username: Thnk2mch
Post Number: 1342 Registered: 02-2006
| Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 10:56 am: | |
Could it be that Pete has something to gain from the soon to be stimlus package, if he (still)has the right connections? Software+Healthcare+political connections=$$$ |
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap
Post Number: 927 Registered: 01-2005
| Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 10:57 am: | |
I think that Pete sees a pretty good thing. KK's mama is on the House Appropriations Committee and will have a lot of influence/can open a lot of doors for KK across the South and west (his sales territory) as medical records get digitalized by government mandate and funded by the Stimulus. |
Thnk2mch Member Username: Thnk2mch
Post Number: 1343 Registered: 02-2006
| Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 11:08 am: | |
Exactly Southwestmap |
Jmil Member Username: Jmil
Post Number: 368 Registered: 12-2003
| Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 11:21 am: | |
More pay for play. |
Blueidone Member Username: Blueidone
Post Number: 477 Registered: 03-2007
| Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 12:31 pm: | |
Heard Karmanos statement on the news that KK is "uniquely qualified" for the job". I guess his qualification is that his mother is on the appropriations committee. He's never done anything but politics, and he is not an IT specialist, unless text messages count. And what's with Compuware putting a gag on their employees? If it's so reasonable and above-board, why try to quash comments? |
Retroit Member Username: Retroit
Post Number: 952 Registered: 04-2008
| Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 12:44 pm: | |
I guess this gives Kwame the distinction of getting the first job created under the Stimulus Package. |
Bobl Member Username: Bobl
Post Number: 496 Registered: 07-2008
| Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 12:53 pm: | |
Thnk2mch nailed it: "Software+Healthcare+political connections=$$$" |
Exmotowner Member Username: Exmotowner
Post Number: 473 Registered: 06-2005
| Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 1:57 pm: | |
Peter Karmanos Jr is crazy. If KK is the best detroit has then that city is really messed up worse than I thought. I know there are smarter people in Detroit than KK. Hes a thug that had a good job. Thats it. IMO |
Urbanoutdoors Member Username: Urbanoutdoors
Post Number: 1098 Registered: 11-2005
| Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 7:28 pm: | |
Wow KK making 360K a year, he will be be out of the red in no time... |
Skylark Member Username: Skylark
Post Number: 132 Registered: 08-2007
| Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 7:36 pm: | |
The only way I can stomach this "job" of KK's is knowing that federal charges are pending. |
Bits Member Username: Bits
Post Number: 34 Registered: 02-2005
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 10:05 am: | |
How are all of his bodyguards going to fit in the cubicle with him? Will he bring them with him on his sales calls? |
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 6641 Registered: 11-2004
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 10:19 am: | |
Has anyone heard from Dennis Archer on this? Seeing as how he's a board member I'm sure this has probably cast him in an odd light considering a few weeks back, he said there was no credible evidence to KK getting hired on at Compuware. I guess in essence it's true- KK got hired under Covisint and not Compuware but that's just semantics. I can only imagine the next Karmanos conversation with Dennis Archer on this subject. Honestly I thought the only semi-legit place that KK could've gained any reasonable employment was going to be with his mother. On a PR front, no one could've faulted him or his mother; he should've gone there, worked hard, stayed under the radar and just maybe rebuild some sense of credibility- instead Karmanos hired him on and is now flooded with the lousy PR of having hired an egotistical perjured felon. Dallas might be about 1200 miles away but KK's stench still lingers here in the area because of this hire. |
Retroit Member Username: Retroit
Post Number: 962 Registered: 04-2008
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 11:00 am: | |
I'd love to see the expression on the faces of Covisint's clients when they walk into a business meeting and see Kwame sitting there. I'd turn right around and walk out the door. |
65memories Member Username: 65memories
Post Number: 455 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 11:02 am: | |
This excerpt and quote from the Freep's Tom Walsh column tells you everything you need to know about Peter Karmanos' character: "Asked if Compuware has a policy about hiring convicted felons, Karmanos said, 'Yes, we give people an opportunity, a second chance.' The exception: 'If someone has committed violent crimes, we probably don't hire them.' What, I asked, about Kilpatrick's shove of a sheriff's deputy that led to an assault charge? 'Back in my neighborhood, when I grew up in Detroit, you'd get a little more than shoved if you went on someone else's porch, I don't care who you were.'" |
Lodgedodger Member Username: Lodgedodger
Post Number: 1477 Registered: 05-2008
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 11:13 am: | |
What I love is the way PK tries to act as if hiring KK was something quite normal. PK states KK will lose his job if more charges or crimes are committed. Yeah, you're one tough Hombre, PK. |
Buyamerican Member Username: Buyamerican
Post Number: 901 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 11:15 am: | |
Karmanos says thug KK "is on a short leash", "If he flops as a salesman or gets hit with more criminal charges he'll get the boot"; "if he screws up he'll get fired"; "he has tremendous upside, very little downside", (huh?). So far, in my book, thug KK would be out of the running for any job, and especially one that involves easy access to someone elses money. Karmanos must have his head up his A$$ on this one. Who would trust thug KK? If he's selling something then he has access to peoples' money...thug KK has very huge pockets that he likes to fill with easy money, money he doesn't have to work for, money that other people worked hard and long for. If it were you or I would we stand a chance? I don't think so. Thousands of qualified people out there looking for jobs and Karmanos picks thug KK??? If I were one of the 250 people being laid off to subsidize thug KK's job, I'd be really pi$$ed and seriously think of a class action against Karmanos. I truly believe thug KK has something on Pete. Also, the ironic thing is that thug KK and his mommy are always the first ones to throw the race card out there. They are very anti-white...but look who they run to when they need help. Top notch, very expensive white lawyers, and now a white company executive who wants to give him a break. Which is it KK? Make up your mind you hypocrit. |
Retroit Member Username: Retroit
Post Number: 964 Registered: 04-2008
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 1:32 pm: | |
Seeing that they have such a close friendship, I wonder if Karmanos was at Kwame's Manoogian Mansion party that never took place? It would be a shame if Kwame got so desperate that he would betray a close friend. (sarcasm) (Message edited by Retroit on February 14, 2009) |
20043_stotter Member Username: 20043_stotter
Post Number: 779 Registered: 03-2007
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 3:09 pm: | |
Kwami has something on Karmanos. There is no logical reason for what has taken place. |
Firstandten Member Username: Firstandten
Post Number: 665 Registered: 05-2006
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 6:12 pm: | |
There's a lot of emotion in this thread and rightfully so concerning Kwame. If you think about this however this job is a good fit for him. Kwame will probably end up being the best sales rep Karmanos has. I know you hate to admit it because KK screwed the city and a few people in the process but he has the ability to connect with people and I always thought he would be in a profession where his success depended on him connecting with people. Now how long he keeps the job is another question because I do think a Federal shoe is going to drop. |
Vetalalumni Member Username: Vetalalumni
Post Number: 1133 Registered: 05-2007
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 6:19 pm: | |
Correct Firstandten. And Karmanos has a long history of "connecting" with blacks. He came across as a master salesman of sorts when I met him at a BDPA conference way back in 1993. Also has associations with the NBMBAA. |
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 6662 Registered: 11-2004
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 7:02 pm: | |
Firstandten, I'm sure there's a fair amount of disgust for what KK did to the city and the emotions along with that but a lot of the venom here seems to be directed at Pete Karmanos as well. A lot of people wonder why he hired KK in the wake of firing so many of his own people. While it might've been awfully good of Karmanos to have his Cancer Foundation, put his world HQ in the city, and other charitable things he's done but he's not above criticism. Let's not forget that it was also Pete Karmanos years ago that tried to shaft Mike Ilitch and the Red Wings by offering Sergei Federov some (at that time) ridiculously lucrative contract to join the Hurricane. While he claims hiring KK is a good business move, it also comes with the criticism of having hired a publicly known felon. I'd also like to think there would also be people within Compuware now that could've easily stepped into this role immediately without the 6 month learning curve that KK has been given. This deal just screams of political payback. |
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 6663 Registered: 11-2004
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 7:16 pm: | |
"If he screws up, I don't have to wait months to kick him out of office. We can fire him on the spot." I'd like to see how Pete Karmanos defines "screws up" in the next few months. |
Brownfieldguy Member Username: Brownfieldguy
Post Number: 24 Registered: 02-2009
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 7:26 pm: | |
My wife has had close dealings with Compuware. Senior staff at Compuware have a term for this activity, its called FOP (Friend of Pete). There have been plenty FOPs over the years who collect big salaries and rarely turn up for work or do very little for it. This is just more the same. I have a neighbor who works for Compuware and is thoroughly disgusted by the move. I found that if you listened to the Paul W interview on WJR and turned what PK said around 180 degrees it was likely to be more likely to be true. We will probably never know, but KK has done some things to better KP and KK and/or CCK has probably pulled in some chips, etc. It might be that some of the theories mentioned on this page are right about what that relationship is. Its just a shame and sad that life is not fair. The best I can hope for is that feds will get this SOB and someone will rollover to protect his/her hind end and it will then turn into a much bigger deal than just synagro. We can hope. |
Stosh Member Username: Stosh
Post Number: 24 Registered: 01-2009
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 7:59 pm: | |
I used to have a lot of respect for PK. Not any more. |
20043_stotter Member Username: 20043_stotter
Post Number: 782 Registered: 03-2007
| Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 9:04 pm: | |
PK won't fire him, even if he shits on PK's desk. He's got something on PK, blackmail. |
Chuckles Member Username: Chuckles
Post Number: 228 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 8:58 am: | |
Brownfield guy, does anyone still listen to PW anymore...I thought Frank Beckman, WJR AM was the latest and greatest...hes a lot better than PW, IMO... also curious to see if Dick Purtan tears into Karmanos or softballs him.... where is the TV media outrage... like you say where is Bill Bonds when you need him.... regards |
Brownfieldguy Member Username: Brownfieldguy
Post Number: 30 Registered: 02-2009
| Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 9:48 pm: | |
Chuckles, Paul W heads the lineup in the morning. He's ok, but its just like the AM version of the softball, friendly banter you hear on like 100.3 or 105.1 FM in the morning. I would really doubt the Dick Purtan would hammer him. I can't recall Purtan ever giving someone a hard time on an interview, but I could be wrong. In a way, the whole thing is so amateur. Layoff 250 employees and then hire Kwame. But then, its not like Karmanos really cares about that kind of image stuff. |
Lowell Moderator Username: Lowell
Post Number: 2203 Registered: 09-2003
| Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 10:55 pm: | |
I have tried to figure out and rationalize this move. And I just can't. I lean toward 3WC's assessment, Kwame or family has some chip on PK. Not much else makes sense. The empty suit environment KK will move into seems bound to be absurdist. Everyone will go around acting like nothing is happening. Welcome Mr. Kilpatrick blah blah... But the chatter will be electric. For PK to foot this is like you and me giving our pocket change to a homeless person. It won't even dent is his fortune. The rational side of me says, who knows? Could they have helped each other out in some way that was mutually beneficial and completely legal? Yes. Do we know if they did anything illegal. No. So this is mostly about passing the 'stink test'. |
Stosh Member Username: Stosh
Post Number: 29 Registered: 01-2009
| Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 10:59 pm: | |
PK should have just paid off KK's restitution and called it a day. At least there would be no mistaking his intent then, and no bad feelings among employees. He could have just as easily had called it a loan for a friend, and a healing gesture to the city, to put that issue behind the region. |
Vetalalumni Member Username: Vetalalumni
Post Number: 1146 Registered: 05-2007
| Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 11:13 pm: | |
PK is a shrewd businessman. PK helping make KK well again would not likely be done solely as a kind and healing gesture to Detroit. It may be that PK only just now really has "something" on KK (indebtedness), which he'll capitalize on whenever he wants to (conduit = CCK etc...). Also, significant write-offs come with hiring well paid executives. |