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Councilman Gabe Leland on Tuesday night.
Politics has awkward moments. One of those came Tuesday night when Mayor Mike Duggan, before the start of his State of the City address, introduced City Council members sitting on the stage at the East English Village Preparatory Academy on Cadieux Road.
Duggan tried to say something complimentary about each. For Janee Ayers, he praised her quick grasp of the city budget. For Roy McCalister Jr., he noted that he was on his second career after service as a Detroit cop.
But when it came to Gabe Leland, it was different. Leland was indicted last October on bribery charges and his trial is pending.
So, instead of complimenting Leland in some way, Duggan simply introduced him as the member representing District 7.
As things heat up for Leland, cringe-worthy discomfort will only multiply.
Politically, it's bad optics to praise someone accused of taking bribes.
We should also note that Mary Sheffield, who has been critical of the city's demolition program -- something dear to the mayor -- was only introduced by Duggan simply as "President Pro-Tem Mary Sheffield."
-- Allan Lengel
