Politics

Pugh: You Need Rhino Skin On Council But 'I have the Skin of a Wet Tissue Paper'

February 07, 2013, 12:08 AM

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Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh, who recently announced that he won’t be running for re-election, told WDET radio personality Craig Fahle on Wednesday that he really didn’t have the ideal temperament to sit on city council.

“I learned, Craig, that it requires a rhinoceros skin to do this job and I have the skin of a wet tissue paper," he said, noting that he hasn't always taken criticism well.  "I’ve been sensitive all my life."

But he added that his sensitivity had an upside. He said it enabled him to empathize and sympathize with many people.

“I cry with people all the time I don’t even know,” he said.

He conceded that he thought before taking office that he would have far more power to get things done than he actually had. He told Fahle council is no place for someone who is idealistic.

He also explained the thought process  behind his decision to only serve a four-year term, which ends this year.

“I ran for council so that I could run for mayor. That was my path.”

But he said things changed.

“My brother died Feb. 4, 2012, just a year ago,” he said. “He was a Detroit police sergeant. He was at work. He had a seizure and they couldn’t revive him. Forty years old. A wife and three kids.

“And When something like that happnes you start to re-evaluate everyting. How do I want to live? How do I want to die? What is important to me? What am I passionate about? What is a stress that I don’t need?"

“I just did a whole soul searching moment.”

He said he wants to still serve the community, but noted that he can do so by returning to journalism. 

To listen to the entire interview, click the link below.


Read more:  WDET


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