Detroit's new emergency city manager worked on Chrysler bankruptcy [w/video]

Kevyn Orr, the new emergency city manager of Detroit, has a history with one of Michigan's most famous residents: Chrysler. Governor Rick Snyder (at right) appointed Orr to the position yesterday with the belief that Detroit needs outside assistance to right the city's mounting financial woes. Orr (at left), a partner with the Jones Day law firm, will begin work on March 25 and receive $275,000 a year for his work. While state officials believe the new city manager will be able to complete his duties in 18 months, the contract is technically open-ended.

The 54-year-old attorney helped steer Chrysler through its 2009 bankruptcy, earning $700 per hour for his efforts. He was also instrumental in convincing the courts to allow Chrysler to shutter 789 dealerships in a single month. Orr says he's aware that his efforts won't have made him any friends in Southern Michigan.

"I'm prepared to be the most hated man for a period of time," Orr is quoted as saying in The Detroit Free Press, "but some of that vitriol will abate."

Moving forward, Orr will have widespread power to put Detroit on whatever course he sees fit, including everything from eliminating the city's mayor and council's pay and fringe benefits to stripping them of fiduciary powers. You can watch Snyder introduce Orr in the video below.

By Zach Bowman