Troy mayor under fire for political emphasis on woman's award during presentation

Troy Mayor Janice Daniels says Distinguished Citizen award is on behalf of Democratic Club, ignores recipient's plea for correction

TROY, Mich. – Troy Mayor Janice Daniels is under the spotlight again after getting into an argument while giving a woman the city's 2012 Distinguished Citizen award.

Daniels presented the award Monday night to former City Councilwoman Mary Kerwin. The Civic Award Ceremony was expected to be a positive one without political implications.

However, Daniels began her presentation by saying the award was on behalf of the Troy Democratic Club.

Kerwin interjected Daniels' presentation, saying it was not on behalf of the political club. She stopped Daniels, a Republican, several times, asking her to read what's at the top of the award. The mayor refused and the presentation continued.

Kerwin said she is embarrassed and surprised.

"It's heartbreaking, to be honest with you," she said. "That (Daniels) would misname the award and be overtly partisan in what is

truly a volunteer achievement and a credit to all of the volunteers we have in the city of Troy."

Kerwin said she is waiting for an apology. Local 4 tried to contact Daniels but she did not call back.