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Baltimore Mayor book deal sparks questions

Mayor Catherine Pugh declined to be interveiwed by WUSA9 about $100K in book sales to a hospital system she helps govern, which includes the Prince George's Hospital Center

BALTIMORE — Baltimore's Mayor is standing by her disclosure that she has earned at least $100 thousand dollars by selling a series of children's books to the large Maryland hospital system where she sits on the board of directors.

Mayor Catherine Pugh is among nine board members who are reaping hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits from doing business with the University of Maryland Health System while serving on the board that governs the $2 billion per year enterprise, according to reporting by the Baltimore Sun.

Pugh is the author of a self-published children's book series called "Healthy Holly" which promotes good health habits to children.

One Healthy Holly book is listed on Amazon as unavailable. It appears the University of Maryland health system is her only significant customer.

Pugh declined to be interviewed by WUSA9 Friday but a spokesman says she continues to stand by a written statement released Thursday.

“I have fully conformed with all disclosure requirements as a board member of the University of Maryland Medical System," the Mayor wrote.  "If it is the decision of the General Assembly to change those requirements, I will, of course, comply with any and all new regulations. In the meantime, I hope that my books have been inspiring and instructive to our young people who need and deserve every indication that we care for them and their future.” 

Baltimore Senator Jill P. Carter has introduced legislation in Annapolis to ban University of Maryland Medical System board members from doing business with the same system they govern.

UMMS has 30 board members overseeing 11 hospitals including the Prince George's Hospital Center and the construction of a new hospital in Largo to replace it.

All nine board members doing business with the hospital system fully disclosed their profits as required. There is no allegation that any laws have been broken.

 

 

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