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Gay Man to Run for City Council in Detroit by Gizem Unsalan June 10, 2009 |
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photo by www.michiganmessenger.com
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Former television news anchor Charlie Pugh will become the first openly gay man to run for the Detroit City Council.
Pugh, who came out five years ago on a Fox network affiliate, says he will run his campaign based on economic issues that affect his hometown. “When I pass an ordinance, it will be an ordinance that helps this city," Pugh says. "My agenda is Detroit's agenda. I just happen to be black, a man and gay."
Pugh, 37, graduated from the University of Missouri's School of Journalism and worked in various states before returning to Detroit. He has been endorsed by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.
On August 4, there will be a nonpartisan primary to elect nine people to the Detroit City Council—and Pugh is among over 400 candidates for the seat. The 18 candidates who receive the most votes will move on to the general election, which will be held in November.
Critics say Detroit’s biggest problems— the collapse of the auto industry this year as well as the text-messaging scandal that tarnished the city’s former mayor— are why so many people are motivated to be in the city council.
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