FOX 2's M.L. Elrick's tough questions for Detroit City Council

DETROIT (WJBK) - Brenda Jones all but proclaimed victory last month in the race to replace Congressman John Conyers, the news was only half good. 

Democrats chose Jones to fill out the last couple months of Conyers' term, but Democrats also chose Rashida Tlaib to serve in Congress for the next two years. That created a dilemma Jones has been reluctant to resolve: Will she give up her council seat to go to Washington for the rest of the year, or stay home and leave the seat vacant? 

"I have indicated that hopefully, this week an announcement, before the end of this week, an announcement will be forthcoming to everyone," she said.

The council president says she has asked people at home and Washington for their opinion on her options, but when I asked Jones which option she prefers, she made it clear she prefers to demur.

"My preference would be to wait until I get everything before I give any answer on anything," she said.

Reporters weren't the only ones asking questions.

"My question would be to the media: How can we get some coverage?" said Councilman James Tate.

A fruitful discussion ensued, ranging from Ford's plan to rehabilitate Michigan Central Station to safe drinking water to supreme court nominee Bret Kavanagh. Along the way, council members worked in plugs for events like Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 8 - that's Columbus Day to some of you - and a mental health fair on October 27 at the Wayne County Community College District's northwest campus.

But I'm afraid I may have killed the conversation with my last question.

"I'd lke to ask each of the council members collectively if you or any members of your staff have been contacted by law enforcement related to the grand jury investigation of councilman Leland? No. No. Councilman Tate? No. I  see the council president says no, Mary Sheffield? No. Mr. Benson? No. Ms. Castaneda-Lopez? No. Ok."

Councilman Leland was at the morning council session, but left before the meeting with the media. He previously proclaimed his innocence, but his situation is not one his colleagues relish discussing.