Watch CBS News

While Pugh Remains On Indefinite Leave, Acting Mayor Jack Young Meets With Md. Delegation

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Baltimore Acting Mayor Jack Young met with his cabinet on his eighth day as acting mayor for the city, while Mayor Catherine Pugh remains on leave of absence- in an effort to show city services are unaltered amid the scandal.

"It's basically to keep government moving. It's not to upset the apple cart, but to keep city services moving. Our citizens are demanding that services be continued," Young said.

Pugh is on indefinite leave- citing her health. She is under investigation from multiple state and local agencies, after receiving payments from several companies and entities for her "Healthy Holly" children's books, totaling at least $700,000.

"Our city needs to heal right now. It needs to move forward. It needs to restore the trust the public has in the leadership," said Councilman Leon Pinkett.

All 14 members of Baltimore's city council asked Pugh to step down  Monday. She replied she full intends to return.

"For the best interests for the City of Baltimore, we don't feel it would be prudent for her to return and then possibly leave again," Baltimore City Delegate Cheryl Glenn said.

One of her top aides, Jim Smith, announced last week he was resigning his position in the mayor's office.

Smith served alongside Pugh on the UMMS Board before he resigned from that position.

State Comptroller Peter Franchot called for the mayor to resign but thinks it could end with criminal charges.

"She could be indicted for criminal exercises as well as the sleazy, grease my palms stuff for selling these books to folks," he said.

Young said all others of Pugh's staff are staying.

"I want them to continue to do their job, until such time as the mayor comes back, or if she doesn't come back, and that's continue to move the city forward," Young said.

Young gathered with Maryland's congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., Tuesday afternoon. He came back to the city to the war memorial for a taxpayers' night.

Follow @WJZ on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.