Detroit manager quizzed about bankruptcy decision

FILE--In this March 14, 2003 file photo, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder announces his final determination on a review of Detroit's finances in Detroit. Snyder said Monday Oct. 29, 2013, in federal court lawsuits filed against him, the state-appointed Detroit emergency manager and others proved the final straw that led him to authorize the city to file for bankruptcy. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, file)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Emergency manager Kevyn Orr

DETROIT  — Detroit’s emergency manager says he took the city into bankruptcy in July after making no progress with creditors.

Referring to lawsuits by Detroit retirees and legal challenges to much-needed revenue from casinos, Kevyn Orr said today that “things were starting to spiral out of control.”

Orr is back in the witness chair at a trial to determine if Detroit’s bankruptcy case can move ahead. He says the city has $18 billion in debt and needs Chapter 9 to reorganize.

Unions and pensions funds say Detroit didn’t negotiate in good faith before the filing. They want the case thrown out.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder testified Monday that bankruptcy was a “last resort” but the right decision. He appointed Orr and approved the bankruptcy.