Saunteel Jenkins begins new role as Detroit City Council president on Monday

Jenkins promoted to position after Charles Pugh disappears

Saunteel Jenkins (left) as a member of Detroit City Council

DETROIT – Monday is the first day on the job for the Detroit City Council's newest president.

Saunteel Jenkins was elected president last Tuesday to replace Charles Pugh.

Recommended Videos



Jenkins is best known for serving as chief of staff for former City Council president Maryanne Mahaffey, who died in 2006.

Pugh disappeared just before allegations surfaced that he had an inappropriate relationship with a high school student he mentored.

He stopped showing up to council meetings and hasn't been seen in Detroit in weeks. He was photographed in June in Seattle.

President pro tem Gary Brown stepped down in early July to take a job with Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr's staff.

Councilman Kwame Kenyatta also resigned last month, citing fewer responsibilities for the board since the state hired Orr to run Detroit's finances.