Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young issues statement on Mayor’s temporary leave of absence

Baltimore, MD – “I am utterly heartbroken by the developments that have unfolded over the past several weeks. I pray that Mayor Pugh continues to recover from her illness. She has been advised by her physicians that she needs to take time to recover and focus on her health. At this time, with the Mayor’s health deteriorating, she feels as though she is unable to fulfill her obligations as Mayor. To that end, Mayor Pugh will be taking a temporary leave of absence, effective at 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, April 2.

Article IV, Section 2 of the Baltimore City Charter states that “{[i]n case of, and during, sickness temporary disqualification or necessary absence of the Mayor, the President of the City Council shall be ex officio Mayor of the City.”

In Mayor Pugh’s absence, and per the City’s Charter, I will perform the daily operations of city government as ex officio Mayor of Baltimore City.

I plan to spend my first day as ex officio Mayor attending a number of internal meetings and public events.

Lastly, I understand how traumatizing this has all been for the people of Baltimore. I take my responsibilities seriously and look forward to serving as a stabilizing force.”

# # #

Please visit our website at www.baltimorecitycouncil.com