The backlash over Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh’s scandal over the sales of her Healthy Holly children’s books to entities that do business with the city has reached a new peak with the city council calling on her to resign.
According to the Baltimore Sun, on Monday Baltimore City Council members sent a brief, two-sentence letter, urging Pugh to step down.
“The entire membership of the Baltimore City Council believes that it is not in the best interest of the City of Baltimore for you to continue to serve as Mayor,” the letter read. “We urge you to tender your resignation, effective immediately.”
Every member of the council signed the letter, with the exception of Young, who is the council president, and current acting mayor.
The letter comes as Pugh takes an indefinite leave of absence, citing health concerns.
The sales of her children’s books have continued to spark scrutiny, and the state prosecutor has opened an investigation.
“Baltimore will continue to have a cloud over its head while the investigations into Mayor Pugh’s business dealings go on,” Scott, one of the council members who signed the letter, said in a statement. “My colleagues and I understand the severity of the action we have taken, but know that it’s what’s the best for Baltimore.”
However, forcing Pugh out of office may be more difficult. As council member Ryan Dorsey, another signee told the Sun, while the city’s charter clearly details how to remove a member of council or the comptroller, “there’s no way for the council to remove a mayor.”
However, he did add that the Maryland General Assembly could amend the state constitution or the city charter to figure out a way to remove the mayor.