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Featured Items
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Council President Pugh Discusses EFM Decision
Friday, March 15, 2013
Watch Council President Pugh discuss Governor Snyder's EFM decision.
7 Action News (3/14/2013):
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Council President Pugh Presents Rising Star Brooklyn Fisher with Spirit of Detroit Award
Friday, February 15, 2013
This week, I had the pleasure of presenting a Spirit of Detroit award to 7-year old Brooklyn Fisher. Brooklyn is a talented young Detroiter who was recently blessed with the opportunity to sing on stage with Motown legend, Stevie Wonder.
Up next, the rising star will grace the stage at Saturday's Erykah Badu concert at the Masonic Temple, and she'll soon be representing Detroit at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York City.
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Council President Pugh Announces He Will Not Run For Mayor
Friday, February 01, 2013
DETROIT CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT RUN FOR MAYOR
Detroit, Mich., January 31, 2013 - Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh issued the following statement today announcing his decision not to run for Mayor of the City of Detroit:
"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."
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Council President Pugh to Spotlight Detroit Retailers
Thursday, December 13, 2012
The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation estimates that Detroit has about 1.7 billion in "retail leakage" every year -- retail shopping dollars spent outside the city. Council President Pugh will be releasing a new video soon highlighting Detroit shopping outlets, old and new, that many people may not know about.
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VIDEO: Council President Pugh Spotlights Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe Owners with Spirit of Detroit Award
Friday, November 09, 2012
Watch this short video spotlight of Ye Old Butcher Shoppe, Detroit's newest full-service grocery store.
Council President Pugh rencently presented Michael and Peter Solaka, the owners of Ye Old Butcher Shoppe, with a Spirit of Detroit Award for their 2 years of hard work and dedication to opening their new grocery store in the City of Detroit. The Solaka brothers persevered through various setbacks and red tape to bring this much-need full-service grocery store to Detroit's Brush Park neighborhood. You can learn more about the store and their story here.
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Charles Pugh Leadership Forum: Year Three
Friday, October 12, 2012
The Charles Pugh Leadership Forum is a weekly leadership development seminar series that takes place at Frederick Douglass Academy in Detroit. Founded by Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh in 2010 and co-faciliated by members of his staff, the Forum engages, informs, and empowers young men to become the next generation of Detroit's changemakers and innovators.
Held at the former site of Council President Pugh's high school alma mater, Murray-Wright High School, the Forum uses interactive discussions and workgroups to foster brotherhood and promote excellence among seniors, guided by the motto "Setting the Standard of Leadership".
Now in its third year, the previous Forum seasons have focused on college preparedness, with blue-ribbon panel discussions on subjects such as standardized test preparation, how to select a school, applying for scholarships and financial aid, and how to succeed on campus. Recognizing that college isn't for everybody, sessions on alternative career paths and entrepreneurship were also integrated into the curriculum. In addition to being mentored by Council President Pugh and the male members of his staff, through the Forum the high school seniors serve as mentors to middle school students at Frederick Douglass Academy.
In additional to leadership development and life skills training, this year's Forum sessions will focus on gentleman training -- grooming, etiquette and dressing for success. Community service activities and team-building outings to Pistons and Tigers games are also planned.
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DLECTRICITY nighttime arts festival to light up Midtown October 5-6
Friday, September 28, 2012
Inspired by nighttime arts festivals from around the world, DLECTRICITY, Detroit’s new nighttime, contemporary light art festival, will host 35 local, national and international artists whose cutting edge works of art, lighting design and performance will illuminate the historic architecture of Midtown. For two electrifying evenings, Midtown Detroit will be enveloped in a sea of light as a number of artists converge on Detroit to “light up” buildings and city spaces in Midtown using various mediums that meld sci-fi technology with Victorian spectacle on a grand scale.
DLECTRICITY aspires to engage a broad and diverse audience, create a sense of community and be a place for stimulation and discussion about the impact of art on public spaces. The city landscape will be transformed into temporary exhibitions, inviting the public to rediscover these spaces and see them in a new light.
The name for the event was inspired by Detroit’s very own Electric Park which was located on the site of what is now Gabriel Richard Park. From 1906 until 1928, Detroit Electric Park served as a major attraction, beginning as a trolley park and later expanding into an amusement park with the development of electrification.
The DLECTRICITY Curatorial Committee is led by Marsha Miro of MOCAD, and also consists of Marc Schwartz, acting chairman of Art Detroit Now, Larry Baranski of the Detroit Institute of Arts, Michelle Perron of the College for Creative Studies, and George N’Namdi of the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art. The Curatorial Committee was charged with responsibility of selecting artists to create projects that will be strategically placed in high impact areas by the hub institutions in Midtown including: the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Max M. Fisher Music Center, Wayne State University, College for Creative Studies, MOCAD and the C.H. Wright Museum of African American History.
The DLECTRICITY Curatorial Committee received more than 200 submissions from emerging and established artists, lighting designers, and architects through an open call for entry process. From that, the committee selected 25 projects and performances based on a number of criteria, including artistic merit and how well the project uses various media like light, video projection, interactivity, 3D video mapping, and other creative technologies, as well as how the projects exist within an urban environment. In addition, curatorial committee members invited 10 local and international artists specializing in light and technology projects to bring their expertise to Detroit’s first “Nuit Blanche” event.
DLECTRICITY will be held Friday, October 5, from 7 pm – 12 am and Saturday, October 6, from 7 pm – 2 am.
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Council discussions continue on proposed Belle Isle agreement
Friday, September 28, 2012
When Michigan state officials discussed a proposed lease of Detroit's Belle Isle park with a dubious City Council Tuesday, the eight (of nine) present members reiterated they weren't ready to agree to it. Council members, who have been discussing the plan announced jointly by Governor Snyder and Mayor Bing for the state Department of Natural Resources to lease the park from the city for 30 years, also said it was worth hearing other proposals and that they wanted more specifics in the contract. "There's no urgency. Belle Isle is not about to sink into the Detroit River if we don't approve the lease," Council President Charles Pugh said. (Read the proposed lease here.) The state would not pay to lease Belle Isle but rather, would assume the costs of maintenance and operation which is estimated to save the city $275 million over the 30-year period. Funds would come from the State Park Endowment, State Park Improvement and Recreation Passport funds. Motor vehicles entering the park would need the $10 annual "passport" to enter any state parks. Council members expressed concern over the lack of details provided about how much money will be allocated to the park. As a preliminary figure, DNR Director Keith Creagh said the state may provide $20 million in bonds for park improvements. The state said that at a minimum the DNR will spend more, including grants and partnerships, than the current $6.2 million annually on operations, maintenance, redevelopment and security. Security was another of the issues that gave Council pause. Councilwoman Saunteel Jenkins wanted the lease to outline how many state troopers and rangers would be used at the park rather than just saying they cooperate on a security plan. "It sounds good but it doent mean anything," she said. Council President Pro Tem thought park rangers and other employees from outside Detroit would not be sensitive to the residents who used what would be the largest urban state park. Belle Isle would possible be able to retain some of its features that set it apart from other state parks. Rodney Stokes, who works with Synder on Belle Isle and placemaking after stints at the DNR and Detroit's Recreation Department, said Belle Isle could potentially keep its longer hours. Council pushed for the hiring Detroit residents for Belle Isle positions, which the state said it could not guarantee. Another Council concern was the length of the lease and the two near-automatic renewals which would mean it would potentially be in effect for 90 years. "I don't think it's going to take us 30 years to not be broke," said Councilman Ken Cockrel. "This city could be fiscally stable in five years." Pugh said a 10-year lease was more reasonable. Councilman Kwame Kenyatta boycotted the meeting in protest and Councilwoman JoAnn Watson, who has been one of the most vocal critics of the proposed lease, said earlier Tuesday she was ready to vote against it. "It's an offense... to be giving away something because you can't keep it clean," she said after Creagh talked about the DNR's role in picking up trash and maintaining restrooms, instead of fixing the park's management. "It's an insult to the citizens of Detroit." But others were more amenable. Council President Pro Tem Gary Brown said he was in favor of the concept of leasing Belle Isle, but not until questions had been answered and changes had been made to the document. Creagh said they should all refrain from the "short-sighted" view of worrying about specific dollar amounts in the lease and rather focus on the state demonstrating the results it promises. But Council members continued to return to the metaphor of buying a car. You wouldn't lease a car without knowing the terms, they said. Deputy Mayor Kirk Lewis joined state officials in pressing for the need for the lease. "The state park system has been in existence for 93 years and city of Detroit citizens have been paying into that without getting something back for it," he said. "We're trying to look at an opportunity to raise the standards and the quality of life for the citizens of Detroit."
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Register to vote today: Deadline is October 9th
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Voter Tool KitB.L.A.C. Magazine has created a top-notch voter resource guide that outlines what you need to do cast your vote, and how to get it done.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. Here’s everything you need to know and do to get ready. RegistrationMichigan has more than 7.3 million registered voters—are you one of them? If not, here’s how to become one. QualificationsTo register, you must be:
1) A U.S. citizen
2) A Michigan resident
3) At least 18 years old on Election Day
4) out of jail or prison on Election Day. (Former prisioners are allowed to vote.) How to RegisterYou can register to vote for federal, state, and local elections by mail; a form is available at the Secretary of State's website (www.michigan.gov/sos). You also can register at your county, city, or township clerk's office or by visiting any Secretary of State branch office. The Departments of Human Services, Community Health and the Career Development also offer registration services. You must re-register to vote whenever you move to a new city or township. State law dictates that the same address be used for voter registration and driver's licenses. If you move, you must update your address at your local clerk, Secretary of State branch, by mail or at any other registration locations. You must register at least 30 days before the election; for the Nov. 6 election, the last day is Tuesday, Oct. 9. Your voter registration card will be mailed to you. You don’t to show it to vote. However, if you lose it, contact your city or township clerk for a new one. Finding Your Voting LocationYour polling place is listed on your voter registration card; you must vote at your assigned polling location. You also can find out your polling place by calling your city or township clerk or online at Michigan.gov/Vote or Publius.org. On Election Day, you will be asked to present voter identification. Acceptable forms of ID include: - Michigan driver's license
- Michigan personal identification card
- Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state
- Federal or state government-issued photo identification
- U.S. passport
- Military identification card with photo
- Student identification with photo from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education, such as a college or university
If you don't have ID, you can still vote by signing an affidavit. A person who registers by mail must vote in person, at least during their first election as a registered voter. Voting HoursPolls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can vote if you are in line when the polls close. Absentee VotingRegistered voters can apply for an absentee ballot if they are: - at least 60 years old
- unable to vote without assistance at the polls
- expecting to be out of town on Election Day
- in jail awaiting arraignment or trial
- unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons
- appointed as an election worker outside of their precinct.
Voters have to complete and return their absentee voter ballot to the clerk's office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Your signature must be on the return envelope and must match your signature on file. Only you, a family member or person residing in your household, a mail carrier, or election official is authorized to deliver your signed ballot to your clerk's office. If you can’t go to your polling place, due to an emergency—such as a sudden illness or family death—you can request an emergency absentee voter ballot. Requests must be submitted before 4 p.m. on Election Day. The emergency must have made it impossible for you to apply for a regular absentee voter ballot. Potential Problems at the PollsIf you’re not on the voter list:Ask the poll worker to check the list again and confirm that you’re at the right polling place. If the poll worker doesn’t find you on the list, show your voter ID card or registration receipt to prove it’s your correct precinct. If you don’t have your voter ID card or registration receipt, ask for a provisional ballot. If someone challenges your right to vote:Ask to be sworn in and answer the questions necessary to establish eligibility. Once eligible, you can cast a ballot. If someone tries to intimidate or harass you:Tell a poll worker immediately. If a poll worker presents a problem, tell a poll watcher, call your local clerk or call one of these election hotline numbers: Election Protection Hotline:
1-866-687-8683 Michigan Bureau of Elections:
517-373-2540 U.S. Department of Justice:
1-800-253-3931 ACLU Voting Rights Project:
877-523-2792 ACLU of Michigan:
313-578-6800 Source
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Pugh Hunger Strikes for LGBT Rights
Thursday, August 23, 2012
On Thursday, August 23rd, Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh, will show his support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community by participating as a striker in the statewide Hungry4Equality campaign. Pugh will serve his shift living on display in the windows of Affirmations, in downtown Ferndale, where he will go without food for 24 hours. Watch a live stream here:
“As an openly gay public figure in one of the US’s more conservative cities, I cannot say enough about the importance of being visible and speaking up about LGBT rights,” said Council President Pugh. “To move the City of Detroit and the state of Michigan forward, we need to change some of the antiquated laws we have that treat LGBT people as second class citizens.”
Pugh will be the 25th striker since the start of the 100-day campaign, which began on July 30th. The Hungry4Equality campaign is an effort coordinated by Michigan’s LGBT Community Center Network (CCN), a group comprised of every LGBT community center throughout the state. In Michigan, it is still legal to be fired if you are gay or transgender, or perceived to be so. Additionally, LGBT couples cannot get married or jointly adopt, cannot receive partner benefits if they are a public employee, and can be denied public housing and accommodations.
Since receiving global attention following its launch, strikers worldwide have made their own personal commitments to participate in Michigan’s fight for equality. Supporters from London, England, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Bangkok, Thailand are a few that have agreed to conduct 24-hour strikes in their locations.
“To see people from around the world making their own personal commitments to strike for the inequalities we face specifically in Michigan, is humbling”, said Dave Garcia, Executive Director of Affirmations. “Unfortunately, it is also a reminder of how behind Michigan is compared to most of the county and much of the world when it comes to equality for all people”.
The Hungry4Equality campaign targets key Michiganders most responsible for creating Michigan’s anti-equality environment by naming them to the campaign’s Equality Rights Hall of Shame. These individuals include Tom McMillin of Rochester Hills; Attorney General, Bill Schutte; David Agema of Grandville; Janice Daniels, Mayor of Troy; the conservative majority of the Michigan Supreme Court; and Gary Glenn, President of the Michigan chapter of the American Family Association. The American Family Association is currently classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The public can view and chat with Pugh and other strikers 24 hours a day, through live video stream at www.ustream.tv/channel/hungry4equality. The strike will continue until the general election, in November. Those interested in participating in the strike can sign up at www.Hungry4Equality.com. In addition to striking, supporters can also participate in statewide phone banking an neighborhood canvassing at Affirmations’ Pride Action Night every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm-8pm. For more information or questions please call (248) 398-7105 or email mhollowell@goaffirmations.org.
Affirmations is metro Detroit’s community center for lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) people and their allies. Open since 1989 and located in Ferndale, a suburb of Detroit, Affirmations provides a welcoming space where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities & expressions, and cultures can find support and unconditional acceptance and where they can learn grow, socialize and have fun.
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Council President Pugh Spends the Day in a Wheelchair
Friday, July 06, 2012
Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh took the "Barrier Free Challenge" and spent the day in a wheelchair in effort to confront and address mobility issues faced by many disabled citizens. In this clip, he is accompanied by E'van and Larry of Warriors on Wheels, as they attempt to navigate from the City-County building to the People Mover, to the Fox Theater — and back.
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State Rep. Santana Challenges Council President Pugh to Free Press Marathon, Both to Promote Detroit Community Health
Friday, July 06, 2012
State Rep. Santana Challenges issues a friendly challenge to Council President Pugh, to see who can post the shortest time in the upcoming Free Press Marathon. Both legislators will use the opportunity to promote community health and active living in Detroit.
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Watch Charles Pugh's 60-Pound Weight-Loss Secrets Now
Friday, June 22, 2012
Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh explains everything he did to lose 60 pounds through healthy eating and exercise — and how you can do the same. He'll tell you why diets don't work, what nutritionists say is the perfect food to eat daily if you're trying to lose weight, the biggest mistake you make every morning that makes you gain weight, and why your suit jacket is slowly killing you.
"We've got a lot going on in the city, but I'm never too busy to find time for my health. I've lost more than 50 pounds during the busiest time of my life, and I want to show you how I did it."
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