Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford opened Tuesday's city council meeting by making himself "crystal clear" regarding rumors of health problems.

"If i'm dying, it ain't your business! So please don't start selling popcorn and chearing. But it's a little tacky, when you do those kinds of things, I have a family. You don't put out those kinds of rumors on people."

And then there are the rumors of Langford's political future as he approaches his August 31st federal criminal trial.

"I got a call at my home late last night that said the mayor had a meeting at his home and that he the mayor was resigning. I came here to hear the resignation... So, apparently the mayor's not coming out to resign... last time I checked, I'm still him."

And the mayor even commented on how his looming legal battle is playing into the upcoming council election. For instance, this year Langford's not endorsing any candidate.

"I really found it interesting that the mayor has these issues... Who would want his endorsement? All the people that called me! And there was no shortage of them either."

And even without making an endorsement, Langford does have his supporters on the council.

Joel Montgomery says he is encouraged that the mayor is not resigning while Roderick Royal adds, "We should allow the justice system to work and certainly the mayor has a right until he goes to the trial to serve as mayor."