Fournier is New Royal Oak Mayor; Gavel Transitioned from Ellison at Monday Meeting

(Originally posted on Dec. 13, 2016) ROYAL OAK, MI —Michael Fournier was sworn in Monday night as mayor of Royal Oak, finishing the term of Jim Ellison who stepped down to take his seat in the state legislature, The Daily Tribune reports. As state representative for the 26th District, Ellison starts his new job as a legislator next month but will continue to live in Royal Oak and represent it along with Madison Heights.

Ellison, the city's longest-serving mayor, was feted in live and videotaped tributes by civic, business and other leaders. They noted his leadership through economic downfalls and prosperity.

Ellison, a lifelong resident of the city, embodied it in many ways, not only from the policy side of governing and giving his ear to developers, charitable groups and residents alike, but witnessing how it works by riding along with snowplow drivers working the night shift. He was known to call on the victims of fires.

He didn't make much money on it. The job pays only about $2,000 a year. But Ellison loved being mayor.

“Everything about this job is fun,” he said. “I got to meet so many fascinating people.”

» For more on this, go to The Daily Tribune.

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