A Northern Michigan city council, once again picking up the pieces.
This time it comes after the appointment of a new mayor and the resulting resignation of a city council member.
The Cadillac City Council voted Monday night to appoint a new mayor after Carla Filkins abruptly resigned last month.
The process took several votes, with many ending in a deadlock, including a vote to consider if long-time council member Stephen King had the support needed to be chosen as Mayor. That did not get the votes needed.
They finally had enough support for mayor pro Tem Tiyi Schippers, with just one dissenting vote from council member King.
He resigned effective immediately at the end of the meeting.
City leaders said it was quite a shock that one of their members resigned after years on the board.
City Manager Marcus Peccia said that, just like the absence of Filkins, the impact of his loss will be felt.
But he said he’s optimistic that the changes happening could be the reset the city of Cadillac needs.
“I was definitely very shocked by Mr. King’s resignation. Nobody had anticipated. I sensed frustration, coming from Mr. King based on remarks that were made about the selection process and the determination of the appointment of mayor,” said Peccia.
King is now the second city official to resign in less than a month.
At Monday’s meeting he had some strong words for his colleagues, calling for accountability, accusing the board of not getting things done.
“I am going to resign, effective tonight. I feel I am ineffective based on the management of the city and the members of council that remain,” said King.
Peccia said that, with King’s years of experience on the board, his resignation would definitely impact the council.
There is without a doubt, a loss when somebody that has been in those positions retires or moves on to another opportunity in terms of what they used to provide to the organization. But I think that’s also when you look at, it’s a fresh start,” said Marcus.
Peccia said the city council has 30 days to appoint two new members. He said they will vote at the next council meeting in two weeks.
“You have to be a registered voter. and you have to live in that particular ward,” said Peccia.
If interested in applying, there is a survey the city of Cadillac needs filled out by next Thursday.
Peccia said even with all the changes, it shouldn’t impact the council’s ability to get things done.
“By Thursday of next week, the board will be back up to its full strength of five members who those people will be. I have no idea,” Peccia said.
Peccia said that although the 11 years of experience Filkins brought as mayor was invaluable, he said he’s optimistic about Schippers taking on the role.
Peccia said Schippers is the longest serving council member before being appointed mayor.
For more information on how to apply for a council position for Ward 2 or Ward 4, please click here.