BIRMINGHAM, Mich. -- Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has taken time out from city business and his legal fight in a text-messaging sex scandal to poke fun at his current political troubles.

Kilpatrick and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who are often seen as foes on policy matters, exchanged lighthearted quips Friday morning at a meeting of regional leaders.

In response to a question from a 9-year-old about what classes it takes to become mayor, Kilpatrick said: "First, a solid background in law."

Patterson quickly pointed out a lawyer in the audience at Birmingham's Townsend Hotel and joked he is the only attorney Kilpatrick hasn't hired yet.

Kilpatrick countered: "It's still early."

In response to another resignation question from an audience member, the mayor called it fair, and replied that if he resigned it would cause major problems. "What you don't want is absolute chaos to happen."

The mayor and his former chief of staff face perjury and other charges stemming from their testimony during a whistle-blowers' trial last summer.

"It certainly hasn't been good publicity. It's been a PR nightmare, but I don’t believe in piling on at this point," said Macomb County Commissioner Chair Bill Crouchman.