I think it is fair to blame city government for the bankruptcy. It is machine politics and a one party system. Since they have no political opposition the city blames it problems on Outsider interference.

Detroit is one of the few cities with a full time legislative body. Most city councils are part time affairs.

It does not make them the only cause of the tragedy of course. But if you want to be in charge and expect credit for what goes right, you also have to take the hit when it goes bad.