Attorney Joel Fauson told FOX 17 on Wednesday that Muskegon Heights Mayor‑elect Bonnie McGlothin is currently battling leukemia. He said the three council meetings she missed – on Aug. 10, Aug. 24 and Sept. 14 – were missed for medical treatment and that she had notified Mayor Pro Tem Kellie Kitchen and City Clerk Jennifer Ross in advance.
Charter provision at the center of the dispute
The Muskegon Heights City Charter states that a mayor or council member forfeits office after failing to attend three consecutive regular council meetings without an excused absence approved by the council. Fauson argues the council has no established procedure for determining whether an absence is excused, leaving the forfeiture provision ambiguous.
In a letter to council members on Monday, Fauson warned that if the council moves to declare McGlothin’s office forfeited, she will demand a public hearing under Section 2.07 of the charter. That provision guarantees a process where testimony and evidence can be presented before any forfeiture decision is made.
City attorney’s interpretation
City Attorney Te D. Smith responded in writing, maintaining that the charter’s forfeiture clause is “mandatory and self‑executing” once its requirements are met. He added that the council’s knowledge of McGlothin’s health issues does not, by itself, constitute a formal excusal of the absences.
Smith also instructed McGlothin to refrain from occupying the mayoral seat, presiding over council meetings, voting as mayor, or otherwise exercising mayoral authority while the dispute remains unresolved.
Council vote and interim leadership
On Monday, with McGlothin absent, the Muskegon Heights City Council voted 4‑2 to appoint Andre Williams as mayor. After a brief recess, Williams took the gavel and led the remainder of the meeting.
Fauson said McGlothin was again receiving medical treatment and could not attend the vote. He emphasized that she is not missing meetings out of a desire to avoid her duties, but because of a serious health condition.
Legal options and next steps
McGlothin’s term runs through the end of 2027. She is currently evaluating her legal options and has not set a timetable for any action. Fauson confirmed that no lawsuit has been filed yet, but warned that if McGlothin challenges the city’s interpretation of the charter, the matter could ultimately be resolved in court.
“You should get some process before something as consequential as forfeiting your job, i.e., your office as mayor, happens to you,” Fauson said. “She’s not been given that process.”
For now, Williams serves as Muskegon Heights mayor while McGlothin considers her next legal steps.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
