Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh

After months of campaigning and preparation, The Detroit News Headline read, "Council Debut Goes Without Hitch," as the new Detroit City Council completed its first formal session.

Followed by a prayer from the Reverend Dr. Charles G. Adams, Pastor of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, President Pugh called his first formal session to order. Pugh states "I have an amazing team, who has worked diligently to ensure that I was ready to lead Day one," and it showed. There were no major gaffes in Pugh's first meeting as Council President. Pugh even felt comfortable enough to add his own personal flair to the meeting with a rare comical moment, suggesting that the council pay cuts not take effect until 2013.

Nevertheless, the council's first formal session did not go without disagreement. In a 5-4 vote, Council President Pro Tem Brown lost his bid to serve on the Police and Fire Pension Board. However, soon thereafter, the council unanimously voted to appoint Council member Brenda Jones to that seat. This signified the council ability to reach a consensus, even after an initial difference of opinion. This is a real change from the past. Brown says of his failed candidacy, "I don't see this as any split among the members. This is how the process works."

Additionally, the council passed a resolution to name the council auditorium after President Emerita Erma Henderson, who passed a short time ago. They also voted to place Council member Jenkins on the General Pension Board.

May the professionalism and efficiency of this first formal session be a hopeful sign of things to come.