By AP
DETROIT –
The Rev. Jesse Jackson and other religious and civil rights leaders are promising protests and possible civil disobedience against Michigan's new emergency manager law that could lead to a takeover of Detroit government.
Jackson and others announced their plans Thursday at a news conference at Detroit's Bethany Baptist Church.
The Chicago-based activist says emergency managers are like dictators with the power to override local democracy, discard union contracts and cut vital public services. He's seeking U.S. Justice Department intervention.
Detroit schools and the cities of Pontiac and Benton Harbor already have state-appointed emergency financial managers.
The state is evaluating whether Detroit's financial problems merit the naming of an emergency manager. Mayor Dave Bing and the City Council have opposed a state takeover of Detroit and are working on budget-balancing measures.