Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Lives Large Despite Owing Money

In case you didn't know, former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is one of the most highly disgraced politicians in America. He is credited for creating one scandal after another in the mayor's office of a city that has continued to feel the depths of despair and economic ruin. Part of his punishment by the courts was to pay $1 million in restitution to the city of Detroit, along with spending 99 days in jail. He is also forbidden to seek public office again due to his felony convictions.

Reports are that Kilpatrick's troubles may be getting worse, as prosecutors are accusing him of failing to make required restitution payments, all while living a life of luxury.

Reports say that Kilpatrick and his family are living in a rented mansion in Dallas, driving luxury vehicles and spending money on golf outings, fancy restaurants and other amenities. His required monthly restitution payment is $79,011, but he could face arraignment for missing the last payment. A warrant for Kilpatrick's arrest was issued Thursday and then suspended. If the warrant is re-issued, the former mayor could end up in jail once again.

But Kilpatrick is not without his supporters. There are individuals such as respected activist Malik Shabazz who consider themselves among his supporters.

"When history records him, he will be considered, in spite of whatever mistakes he made, a great mayor," said Shabazz.

Kilpatrick is now a software salesperson for Compuware Corporation. He was given $240,000 in loans and a $120,000 per year job shortly after being released from jail in 2009. The arrangements were made by Compuware CEO Peter Karmanos, who was also prominent in Detroit politics before the Kilpatrick scandal. Kilpatrick's new home is a 5,800-square-foot five-bedroom mansion in the Dallas suburb of Southlake.

Kilpatrick's attorneys argue that his lifestyle is not extravagant, but necessary. They claim that he needs to spend money in order to woo clients to sell them software.

In his job, "The clientele he must establish a rapport with are likely to be the privileged and the affluent," said a petition filed with the court on Tuesday. "The deals he must close to fulfill the restitution obligation require considerable time and he is going after sophisticated clients -- burgers and beer at the local bar is not going to be sufficient."

Such is the saga of Kwame Kilpatrick. I have a feeling his adventures aren't over. I have a great deal of respect for Malik Shabazz, but I have a hard time imagining anyone remembering Kilpatrick as a great mayor. In fact, indications from my colleagues in Detroit is that Kilpatrick's alleged excesses, arrogance and lack of discipline are going to make it incredibly difficult for any other thirtysomething to seek the Detroit mayor's office for a very long time. That is unfortunate.