Maki is Scottville’s new mayor

Richard Maki

SCOTTVILLE — Richard Maki will be Scottville’s mayor, replacing Joe Baxter who resigned today (see related story). Since 2010 Maki has served as mayor pro-tem, he was reappointed to the position last November. City Manager Amy Williams said she had to confer with City Attorney Tracy Thompson after Baxter abruptly resigned this morning following his arrest. Because Maki was mayor pro-tem he automatically is appointed Mayor.

Baxter’s resignation does not officially take effect until next Monday, March 18, when the city commission is expected to accept it formally. At that time, Maki will be sworn in and will fulfill the term, ending in 2014. The Scottville mayor and mayor pro-tem are commissioners who are elected every two years by the commission, unlike Ludington, for example, in which the mayor is a separate position elected by the city’s voters. The only official function of the Scottville mayor is to preside over city commission meetings and serve on the Main Street/Downtown Development board and the Planning Commission. The mayor is also responsible for appointing committee members, with the approval of the commission. The city manager runs the day to day affairs of the city.

Williams said Maki has many years experience serving in city government. Before moving to Scottville, he served on the Roscommon City Council.

Since Baxter also resigned his position as a city commissioner, the city will be be searching for someone to fill that position. Baxter represented Precinct 2, which is the city east of Main Street. Any registered voter who has resided in the city for at least one year, and lives on the east side of town, interested in the position should contact Williams by email: citymanager@cityofscottville.org or writing to City Manager Amy Williams, City of Scottville, 105 N. Main St., Scottville, MI 49454.