A trustee on the Plymouth Township board has resigned less than halfway through his elected term, saying he was effectively frozen out of discussions and describing the behaviour of senior officials as "deceitful". The departure is the fourth announced by board members in recent months and intensifies scrutiny of how the board manages appointments and internal decision‑making.
Resignation follows disputed appointment
In a resignation letter dated 28 July, Mark Clinton said he had observed "little to no meaningful progress" under the township's current administration over the previous two years and that his final decision was prompted by events at a 21 July board meeting. At that session the board voted to appoint a replacement for Trustee Jen Buckley, who had earlier resigned.
- Clinton told colleagues he had not been informed beforehand that a candidate had been identified.
- He cast the sole dissenting vote when the board appointed former planning commissioner Bill Ickes by a 5–1 margin.
- Clinton characterised the actions of the supervisor and two trustees as deceitful, saying he had been knowingly excluded from the selection process.
"As an elected Trustee, I expected to be included in decisions of this importance, and I believe the citizens deserve a process that is open, transparent, and collaborative."
Board response and next steps
Supervisor Chuck Curmi offered a brief response, expressing thanks for Clinton's service and wishing him well. Curmi said the township did not formally advertise for applications to fill Buckley's seat, but instead spoke with individuals who had expressed interest.
Under Michigan law, township boards are required to fill a vacancy by appointment within 45 days, but the statute does not prescribe a specific method for deciding whom to appoint. Curmi said remaining board members will decide how to fill the seat left vacant by Clinton.
Context: a pattern of departures
Clinton’s resignation is part of a recent pattern of officials leaving the township board. The sequence of departures began when Clerk Jerry Vorva left his role, and has continued through multiple subsequent resignations. The board’s handling of appointments and internal communication has emerged as a central issue.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Board meeting where Buckley’s replacement was appointed | 21 July |
| Clinton's resignation letter | 28 July |
| Public report update | 29 July (updated) |
The appointment of Bill Ickes was approved by a 5–1 vote. Clinton, who previously served as township treasurer from 2016 until 2021 and was elected trustee in 2024, had stepped down from the treasurer role in 2021 because of a health issue but returned to elected office in 2024.
For residents, the immediate practical questions are how the board intends to restore internal cohesion and whether it will review and clarify the procedures used for filling vacancies. The episode also highlights the limited statutory guidance for such appointments and the latitude boards have when choosing replacements.
Information about subsequent appointments or any formal review by the board will be of interest to residents concerned with transparency and governance in the township.
