GBC Board Of Directors Calls For Pugh's Resignation

The board of directors of the Greater Baltimore Committee voted Friday to call on on Mayor Catherine Pugh to resign.

Pugh, currently on a medical leave of absence, faces growing questions and investigations related to her business dealings. Through her LLC, she sold children's books to entities including Kaiser Permanente, which had business before the city at the time, as well as political allies.

Read the GBC's statement

“This was a difficult decision requiring a great deal of thought, but the GBC believes the Mayor can no longer provide the leadership and effective government that Baltimore needs and deserves at this time,” GBC president and CEO Donald C. Fry said in a statement. “The GBC Board determined that it is necessary for Mayor Pugh to resign so the city can move on, heal and leverage the many positive assets it has going for it.”

Don Fry talks to Robert Lang:

The GBC says members referenced in reports related to Pugh's business dealings did not participate in Friday's vote and weren't involved in discussions that resulted in the call for her resignation. Those who weren't recused voted unanimously to recommend Pugh resign. The board includes Archbishop William E. Lori, Johns Hopkins University President Ron Daniels and Cordish Companies Chairman David Cordish.

In a statement issued by the board, they said recent news coverage of Pugh's book sales and other activities "has damaged the city's reputation and placed her leadership into question."

"Baltimore City has too many pressing issues that must be addressed to be distracted by controversies that threaten the public’s trust in government," the board members wrote. "Baltimore needs a strong Mayor who is laser-focused on the needs of the city, its residents, and businesses and can lead the city forward. Trusted leadership is an essential quality of an effective mayor."

The City Council and the city's House delegation has also called for Pugh to step down.

The GBC represents more than 500 member organizations, including businesses, nonprofits and education institutions.

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Donald C. Fry is an occasional contributor to WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5. Dan Joerres, president and general manager of WBAL-TV 11, is a member of the GBC's board of directors.