LANSING- Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit) State Senator Tupac A. Hunter (D-Detroit) today said that he applauds Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s appointment of Robert C. Bobb to be the emergency financial manager for the Detroit Public Schools.

“Mr. Bobb brings a wealth of experience to the challenging task of helping the Detroit Public School system get back on solid financial ground,” said Senator Hunter. “I encourage parents, teachers, school board members, and Mr. Bobb to work together to resolve the financial issues facing our Detroit schools.”

Mr. Bobb has worked in executive management in both the public and private sectors. He is an expert on issues facing urban government, including education. He is currently the owner, president and CEO of LAPA, LLC, a multi-faceted private/public sector consulting firm. In November of 2006 he was elected to a two-year term as president of the Washington D.C. Board of Education.

“With Mr. Bobb focusing on the district’s finances, the school board can refocus its efforts on making the Detroit Public School District more competitive by offering a first class education for the students across the city” said Senator Hunter. I am hopeful that a re-energized school district in good financial shape will help recruit families and their children back into Detroit schools.”

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Sen. Hunter represents the 5th district, which is comprised of northwest Detroit, Dearborn and Inkster. He serves as Minority Vice Chair of the Banking & Financial Institutions and the Homeland Security & Emerging Technologies Committees. He is also a member of the Commerce & Tourism and the Economic Development & Regulatory Reform Committees.