Residents urge Detroit council to reject reappointment of Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett

Several residents and callers urged the Detroit City Council to reject the reappointment of Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett during public comment at a Committee of the Whole session that was recessed due to lack of quorum.

Jadonta Smith, vice president of the Helen Street Block Club, said the council should not "vote Conrad Mallett back into this position," arguing that his tenure has "cost us millions of dollars in indemnification lawsuits" and accusing him of having "usurped the Board of Police Commissioners." Smith added that a previous 8–1 vote had reflected serious concerns and urged widespread resident opposition.

An online caller said Mallett "stood in the way of transparency by locking old DPD officer complaints away from media investigation" and "thwarted the OIG investigation of Antoine Bryant by refusing to turn over evidence," and asked the council to reject the reappointment and seek a fresher candidate.

Darren Boleski and other commenters also raised concerns about the law department’s practices, including a claim that a signed statement of just compensation had been used to acquire vacant parcels in a way Boleski described as "fraudulent" and urged correction. Tyson Kirsch said the law department’s culture "has caused low morale" and that the city needs "an ethical person in that position." Several callers said the reappointment would amount to a continuation of prior-administration policies they oppose.

No council member made a decision on the appointment during the session; the committee did not hold a confirmation vote because it lacked a quorum. Public commenters said they would contact media and press council members if the reappointment proceeds.