An Affair Spiraled Out of Control

Kwame Kilpatrick, the youngest mayor in the history of Detroit, has been praised across the state for his ability to form coalitions to get things done. Kilpatrick has secured $7 million to address the lead poisoning problem, which affects more children in Detroit than in the rest of Michigan combined. Additionally, Kilpatrick advocated new laws to make schools safer, expand health care benefits for retirees, protect the environment, and strengthen personal protection orders.

While Kilpatrick has served his city well, his personal life might just put an end to his political career. Behind closed doors Detroit’s mayor was carrying out an affair with his Chief of Staff Christine Beatty, often using his security unit to keep his affair secret. When two officers started investigating him, they were both inexplicably fired.

Now an investigation has been opened charging him with perjury, conspiracy, obstruction of justice and misconduct. All of the charges against the mayor are felonies. The charges could be the beginning of the end of Kilpatrick's six-year career as the elected mayor of Detroit, since the city charter, a felony conviction would mean the mayor's immediate expulsion.

Kilpatrick along with Beatty, the former chief of staff, pleaded not guilty to charges he lied under oath about an affair and his role in the firing of a top police official. Both were released on personal bonds, and would have to pay $75,000 if they break them. Moreover, Kilpatrick has vowed not to resign stating, "I look forward to complete exoneration once all the facts have been brought forth. I will remain focused on moving this city forward."

Kilpatrick’s case bares a resemblance to charges brought up against Bill Clinton for his affair with Monica Lewinsky. However, this case could take a turn for the worse because the only evidence to link Clinton to Lewinsky is the famous black dress whereas the evidence of Kilpatrick and Beatty are the very affectionate text messages they sent each other.

To effectively manage this PR Crisis, Kilpatrick must remind Detroit why he was chosen to be their mayor. He must elaborate on all the good he has done for the community and send a message that his private life does not interfere with his public life. Moreover, he has to strategically convey that he has not let power go to his head.