When asked whether he would resign in the wake of new reports surfacing on additional county employees receiving sweetheart deals, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano said, “there are no sweetheart deals. People participated in buyout programs that were offered to over 200 employees.”

He says other companies are offering similar programs. “We had a buyout program just like the airport is doing right now; just like we’ve offered in the past; just like General Motors and Ford has done,” Ficano said.

He made the remarks at a fundraising dinner in Dearborn Friday, Jan. 20 focused on preventing domestic violence. Former Wayne County Assistant CEO Azzam Elder also attended the event. The two were seated on opposite sides of the banquet hall.

According to a story posted by local ABC affiliate WXYZ on Jan. 19, Wayne County Chief Financial Officer Carla Sledge received a buyout listed as severance without actually departing from her position with the county.

Elder is suing the county and Ficano for $25 million after resigning from his position following the controversial severance payment former county chief economic development officer Turkia Awada Mullin received when voluntarily leaving the county to pursue a new position as CEO of metro-Detroit airport.

Elder wouldn’t comment on the lawsuit, saying his lawyer advised him not to speak to the media. “I just look forward to my day in court,” Elder said. He seemed optimistic about his future and says he looks forward to pursuing a career in the private sector.  

Ficano pointed out that the county has taken major steps to down size in the past decade, and will continue to do what’s necessary. “At this time we’re just going to do our job and move forward. We’re going to have a balanced budget…,” Ficano said.