Something Doesn’t Seem Right About Stephen King’s Sudden Resignation
When a new mayor was appointed during a Cadillac, Michigan, City Council meeting, longtime council member Stephen King unexpectedly stepped down, effective immediately. His resignation adds yet another complication to the city’s ongoing administrative struggles. This article explores the reasons behind King’s abrupt exit, the challenges Cadillac’s government is facing, and the possible implications for the community’s future.
The Catalyst: Appointment of Mayor Tiyi Schippers
King’s resignation came shortly after the shocking February 12, 2025, announcement that Mayor Carla Filkins was stepping down for “personal reasons.” This unexpected vacancy left the City Council responsible for selecting a new mayor. After multiple rounds of indecision, the council finally voted 3-1 on March 3, 2025, to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Tiyi Schippers as the new mayor. King was the only dissenting vote.
Immediate Resignation: A Rejection of the Status Quo
Following Schippers’ appointment, King announced his immediate resignation, expressing deep frustration with the council’s decision. He stated that his hopes for meaningful change had been completely shattered.
“It’s the definition of insanity—doing the same thing over and over, in this case with different issues, and expecting a different result,” King said.
Broader Issues: PFAS Contamination and Public Outrage
One of the key issues fueling Cadillac’s political unrest is the growing concern over PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination. Residents have raised alarms about the safety of their drinking water, linking PFAS exposure to serious health problems such as thyroid disease and cancer. The perceived lack of action by the council has led to increasing public frustration and demands for greater transparency.
Leadership Crisis: Resignations Amidst Controversy
King’s departure is not an isolated case. The sudden resignation of Mayor Carla Filkins in February also raised serious questions. While she cited personal reasons, her decision coincided with mounting tensions over the council’s handling of various controversial issues, including the PFAS crisis and a review of the city manager.
Public Reaction: Demands for Government Accountability
Recent events have heightened concerns among Cadillac residents, many of whom are now demanding greater transparency and accountability from their elected leaders. During recent council meetings, citizens have voiced strong support for proactive measures to tackle the PFAS contamination crisis and to implement more collaborative governance strategies.
What’s Next? Filling Vacant Council Seats
With both the mayor’s seat and a council seat now vacant, the City Council must act quickly to fill the positions. Under the city charter, the council has 30 days to appoint new members. These appointments will play a critical role in shaping Cadillac’s leadership and in addressing the pressing issues the community is facing.
Conclusion
Stephen King’s resignation has exposed deep-rooted issues within Cadillac’s municipal government, from environmental concerns to leadership disputes. As the city undergoes this transition, the focus must be on restoring public trust, ensuring transparent decision-making, and solving the most urgent challenges ahead.
FAQs
1. Why did Stephen King resign from the Cadillac City Council?
King resigned due to frustration with the council’s decision to appoint Tiyi Schippers as mayor, believing it continued a pattern of ineffective leadership.
2. Who is the new mayor of Cadillac?
Tiyi Schippers, the former Mayor Pro Tem, was appointed as Cadillac’s new mayor following the resignation of Carla Filkins.
3. What are PFAS, and why are Cadillac residents concerned?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are harmful chemicals linked to serious health conditions, including thyroid disease and certain cancers. Cadillac residents are increasingly concerned about PFAS contamination in the city’s drinking water.
4. What is the City Council doing to fill the vacant seats?
Under city regulations, the Cadillac City Council has 30 days to appoint new members to fill the empty seats.
5. What measures are in place to protect Cadillac’s drinking water?
The city has initiated a PFAS investigation and is taking measures to address the contamination, including providing free water to affected residents in the PFAS Study Area.
