Detroit Mayor Dave Bing: Charles Pugh should step aside if he can't fulfill duties as City Council president

Mayor Bing says Pugh should step aside if he can't fulfill duties while city faces critical time

DETROIT – Detroit Mayor Dave Bing issued a statement Thursday afternoon about City Council President Charles Pugh amid questions surrounding his whereabouts.

Pugh has been absent from several City Council meetings over the past few weeks amid allegations that he had an "inappropriate relationship" with a teen boy. He has been unreachable by phone.

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"As we enter the new fiscal year on Monday, this is a critical time for our City. If Council President Charles Pugh is unable to fulfill his duties as president, he should step aside and allow for new leadership at the council table. There are vital contracts that must be reviewed and approved, as well as other Council responsibilities that must be acted upon," said Bing. "Although the allegations against Charles have not yet been proven to be true, it is extremely unfortunate that our citizens are being dragged into another potential scandal in City government. Let's get on with the work of transforming our City."

Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr issued an order Thursday to strip Pugh of his salary, wages and compensation.

Read more: Kevyn Orr issues order stripping Charles Pugh's pay


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