Mayor of Buchanan Michigan resigns

BUCHANAN, Mich. -- A surprise resignation happened at Monday night’s weekly city commission meeting.

Now former Mayor, Sean Denison took to Facebook with a statement reading in partial quote,

“I have decided that the level of incivility I have dealt with as mayor has reached a level beyond what I consider acceptable for small town politics. I am choosing to resign as your mayor, and city commissioner, effective immediately. I have decided to focus on my health, my family, and on things that bring me joy. Unfortunately, this position is no longer one of them,” said Denison.

Buchanan residents, Carla Johnson and Monroe Lemay started the recall process against Denison in December 2023, after the suspension of City Manager, Ben Eldridge.

The mayor had the choice to resign after a petition calling for him to be recalled for 541 signatures but chose to go on to the voters on the November ballot in a special recall election.

Lifelong Buchanan resident and former Mayor Pro Tem, Scott King stepped up to run against Denison.

However, now that recall election will not happen.

Under Michigan Law, if the person under recall resigns after the calling of a recall election, the election will not be held.

The city clerk says the next steps will also follow Michigan Election Law, and the city charter.