Updated 5:33 PM
FLINT -- It is end of an era, as Flint Mayor Don Williamson said he is stepping down. He made the announcement just before 12:00 p.m. Monday.
The rumors had circulated for the last few weeks. Last week the mayor shook up his staff, but said Monday he is leaving as well. "In everything there is a season, and I have decided now is the time to retire from public life," Mayor Williamson said as he read his resignation. In that moment it was set, the torch of leadership would be passed.
Mayor Don Williamson will leave office on Sunday, February 15th at midnight. Newly named City Administrator Mike Brown will become acting mayor. "In my absence, I want to assure you that Mike Brown will actively lead the city until August when the voters can decide on my permanent replacement," Mayor Williamson said.
The mayor claims he is leaving due to health issues. "My third sinus infection in 13 months and 8 kidney stones since November 1st. I've lost weight too," he described.
However, few can deny the major recall election against the mayor, set for February 24th, amid financial crisis and accusations of mismanagement. The mayor, though, dismissed these criticisms. "While I'm sure some folks will speculate and debate what we have achieved," he began, "one thing is for certain, it has been a great honor to serve the hometown where Patsy and I have resided all our lives."
The city is facing an at least $8 million budget deficit and many of his critics say now is the perfect time for him to leave. Recall organizer Alex Harris said "We have to clear out the long list of political cronies and partisans of Don Williamson, that has provided nothing in the name of benefit for the City of Flint." Harris even questions whether the resignation is in writing.
Harris has slammed the mayor's plans to cut police and fire staff to save revenue, and even naming former City Administrator Daryl Buchanan to Deputy Mayor, a post that Harris says doesn't even exist. "Nowhere in the charter is there a provision for such a position," says Harris.
Nevertheless the mayor stands by what he calls the public trust. "In my public life, I received the greatest honor of all - the trust and the respect of the voters of this great city placed in me when they elected me mayor in 2003, and re-elected me in 2007," Mayor Williamson declared.
NBC25 did contact Dane Walling, the man Williamson defeated in the 2007 election. Walling was asked if he would seek the city's top job again in a special election but would not comment. Williamson said he will have one more press conference to lay out the details of the transition of power.
