Statement on Sentencing of Former Mayor Catherine E. Pugh

Statement on Sentencing of Former Mayor Catherine E. Pugh

BALTIMORE, MD (February 27, 2020) — Baltimore City Council President Brandon M. Scott released the following statement in response to today’s sentencing of former Mayor Catherine E. Pugh for wire-fraud and tax-related charges: 

“Today marks a somber moment for Baltimore, as our former Mayor is sentenced for her unethical acts that seriously undermined the public’s trust in our local government. Less than a year ago, when it became clear she had lost her mandate to serve the people, I led the City Council’s effort to call for the then-Mayor’s resignation. Now, on the day of her sentencing, both she and our city have an opportunity to move forward. 

This moment reminds us that, as elected officials, we have one job: to serve the people, period. I take my charge as a public servant seriously and I always have. I will continue fighting for you because you deserve leadership that you can trust, that you know is committed to moving this city in a better direction, that’s always ethical regardless of who is watching.

For my part, I will continue to lead the City Council toward delivering the results our residents need and deserve. This Council has taken significant steps toward increasing transparency and changing the culture of corruption in City Hall. 

Through legislation introduced and passed in my short time as Council President, we have closed loopholes (20-0483; 19-0457; 19-0376), addressed ethics issues (19-0377; 19-0378), and introduced measures that will provide checks and balances on the Mayor’s Office that are long overdue (20-0489; 19-0381; 19-0467).

If there’s one thing I know about Baltimore, it’s that we are a resilient city. We don’t give up. Our city must not continue to be defined by unethical leadership. Let us continue to be motivated by a guiding purpose of serving our residents’ best interests.”

Status of Baltimore City Council Ethics Legislation

• 20-0483: “Public Ethics Law - Gifts to Elected Officials and Staff” sponsored by Council President Scott — Closing a loophole that allows elected officials to accept gifts from lobbyists (In Committee)
• 19-0457: “Elected Officials - Financial Disclosure” sponsored by Councilman Dorsey — Requiring elected officials to disclose business interests (Signed into Law)
• 19-0376: “Financial Disclosures - Fixing Filers, Filing, and Filings” sponsored by Councilman Dorsey — Expanding and clarifying who has to file a financial disclosure statement (Signed into Law)
• 19-0377: “Whistleblower Rights and Responsibilities” sponsored by Councilman Dorsey — Prohibiting retaliation against whistleblowers who report waste, fraud and abuse (Signed into Law)
• 19-0378: “Ethics Board - Administration and Staff” sponsored by Councilman Dorsey — Properly staffing and funding the Board of Ethics (On the Mayor’s Desk)
• 20-0489: “Charter Amendment - Board of Estimates - Composition” sponsored by Council President Scott — Removing the two Mayoral appointees from the Board of Estimates (In Committee)
• 19-0381: “Charter Amendment - Removal of Elected Officials” sponsored by Councilman Burnett — Providing for the City Council to remove the Mayor from office (In Committee)
• 19-0467: “Charter Amendment - Vetoes - Timing of Override” sponsored by Councilman Dorsey — Clarifying the time with which the Council may override a Mayoral veto (In Committee)