Detroit City Council President Gary Brown announced Tuesday he would not seek re-election after one term, joining four of his colleagues who are calling it quits.
Council members Ken Cockrel Jr., Kwame Kenyatta and Charles Pugh, the council president, already have said they will not run again. JoAnn Watson, who finished in the last position on the nine-member body four years ago, did not pick up petitions.
The turnover is one of the biggest in memory. With the announcement earlier Tuesday that Mayor Dave Bing would not run again, it became clear at the filing deadline Tuesday afternoon that the city leadership will have a much different look in 2014. One thing that will not change is the post of emergency manager: Kevyn Orr will continue to hold the ultimate power.
Brown, a former Detroit Police officer, said in a statement:
"After careful consideration with my family, I decided not to seek a second term on Detroit City Council. I have dedicated three decades serving the citizens of Detroit in the Police Department and most recently as Council President Pro Tem. I am thankful for the support Detroiters have given me during that time. I also appreciate those who have encouraged me to seek re-election."
In additiont to the new faces, seven of the council members will be elected by district -- the first time since 1918 not all seats will be at large.
