City: Jones may be able to serve on council, in Congress

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit councilwoman elected to serve just two months in Congress to finish former Rep. John Conyers’ term may not have to leave her current job.

Brenda Jones won a special election last week to finish Conyers’ term, but she didn’t win the Democratic primary to run for a full two-year term in Congress.

Detroit’s Law Department said Monday that in certain circumstances, state law would allow Jones to hold both elected posts.

Ethics rules in the U.S. House say Jones couldn’t get paid for both jobs simultaneously.

The 89-year-old Conyers stepped down in December citing health reasons, though several former female staffers had accused him of sexual harassment.

Former state Rep. Rashida Tlaib won the Democratic primary for the seat.

If she wins the November general election in the heavily Democratic districts, she’ll start a two-year term in January.