City Councilman Ken Cockrel set off a firestorm with a simple question Tuesday: "Where is the president?" he asked, referring to Council President Charles Pugh.
In the 48 hours since we've learned that Pugh requested and was denied sick leave for an unexplained medical condition, was accused of acting inappropriately toward a student he was mentoring, is in a location unknown to even his closest staff members, will be subject of a lawsuit regarding the aforementioned mentoring allegations, and is no longer receiving a salary thanks to an order from Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr.
With City Council down to seven members, Pugh's unexplained extended absence makes it difficult for the city's legislative body to conduct daily business. Council spent much of this week discussing how to modify their committee structure to ensure they can continue to meet with a quorum and whether they need to appoint a new president.
Plainly, Pugh owes colleagues and constituents some answers.
The lawsuit likely makes it difficult for him to discuss the allegations about his behavior toward students he mentored, and everyone should respect his right to respond through the appropriate legal channels.
However, the unexplained absences and dubious sick leave request need to be addressed. If Charles Pugh won't show up like a normal adult, the rest of City Council should subpoena him to explain himself.
Article Four of the Detroit City Charter gives Council powers to "subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and require the production of evidence in any matter pending before it or any of its committees."
No matter currently pending is more urgent than its organization for the remainder of the term. Pugh's ability and willingness to continue serving is central to that issue. Council has subpoenaed the mayor before, so why not their own AWOL president? If such a subpoena is improper, let Pugh argue as much before a judge.
Otherwise, bring him in. Send the police to knock on his door. If he's really hiding somewhere, triangulate his cell phone or track his credit card activity or whatever and go get him. It seems silly it's come to that, but here we are.
It's time Pugh answered Cockrel's very reasonable question about his recent whereabouts. He also needs to inform his colleagues about if he plans to return to Council and (possibly in closed session because even politicians are entitled to HIPAA protections) the reasons for his requested sick leave.
Even Charles Pugh must be held accountable once in a while. This farce is gone on long enough.
