Robert Ficano's 187 Appointees Eclipse Other Counties, State

Magic Number 187

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano controls a roster of political appointees larger than counterparts in neighboring counties, the city of Detroit and the governor of Michigan combined.

Ficano is under fire for his 187 at-will employees, some of whom are relatives of officials, one-time colleagues and former political rivals.

The payroll is drawing new scrutiny amid an FBI investigation into his administration and commission calls to winnow the ranks. Nearly nine years into office, Ficano hasn't done enough to reform the cronyism of his predecessor, Ed McNamara, said Brendan Dunleavy, the county's former auditor general.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot