DETROIT – Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh isn't going to take a run for mayor.
He released a statement Friday saying he would return to his broadcasting career after his tenure as the city's first openly gay member.
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Pugh received the most votes in the 2009 Council election. He is one of five first-term council members elected as federal officials investigated public corruption in Detroit city government.Councilwoman Monica Conyers resigned from the board in 2009 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in a sludge deal. She was sentenced to 37 months in prison.
Detroit's primary election is in August. Mayor Dave Bing has not yet commented on seeking re-election.
Pugh's statement:
"There has been increasing interest in what my next steps will be after my term concludes as Detroit City Council President. In particular, people want to know whether I plan to run for Mayor. It is with great consideration that I announce today I will not seek election for Mayor of the City of Detroit. I traded in my career as a broadcaster for public service to help bring ethical behavior, integrity, and fiscal responsibility back to the Detroit City Council. I believe that my colleagues and I accomplished that. This City Council has consistently passed fiscally responsible budgets and proposed bold cost savings and revenue generating ideas. We have not always had a cooperative partner in the administration, but we have remained diligent in making decisions with the best interest of the citizens in mind. I have decided to return to my career in broadcast journalism where I can continue to make an impact in the City of Detroit and surrounding communities. I appreciate the citizens' faith in me and support and I will continue to work hard to put them first during the remainder of my term."