Politics & Government

Surprise Resignation Shocks Commissioners

Mayor Pro-Tem Patricia Capello announces her resignation at Monday's Royal Oak City Commission meeting.

Monday’s meeting of the Royal Oak City Commission ended with a surprise resignation.

Mayor Pro-Tem Patricia Capello announced she was relocating to Texas and that Monday's city commission meeting was her last. Reading from prepared notes, she said she had been looking to downsize her empty nest for the last year.

"We were looking for a smaller home in Royal Oak so that we can spend our summers here and winters in a warmer climate, probably Texas. Well I didn't find a home in Royal Oak, but we did find our dream home in Texas. We purchased it and will be relocating very soon. With my husband's health issues, and my son's health issues, and 40 years of accumulation to clean out and put our home on the market, I need to focus all of my efforts on my family and relocation. So I'm tendering my resignation effective today. This was my last city commission meeting. I want to thank all those people who have supported me for my two terms. I have met so many wonderful people and I thank you all for helping make this interesting. I want to wish the city of Royal Oak and all the people in it the best today and in the future."

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Commissioners were caught off guard by the news as it was announced at the end of the meeting. Without any discussion of the resignation, the meeting was adjourned and Capello quickly gathered her belongings and left the Royal Oak City Commission chambers.

The resignation comes two weeks after the commission voted 5-2 to look into accusations of multiple ethics violations against Capello, which stemmed from complaints of alleged "bullying" by former employees at the Royal Oak Animal Shelter.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Mayor Jim Ellison said by phone after the meeting he had no idea the resignation announcement was coming.

"We will have to figure out how to deal with the vacancy," he said, indicating he expects City Attorney Dave Gillam will provide the commission with options.

"It's very unfortunate," said Commissioner Peggy Goodwin after the meeting. "She has been a blessing to our commission."

For more on Capello, read Patch Blogger Frank Versagi's coffee conversation with the mayor pro-tem at http://versagivoice.com/coffee_chats/capello.htm.

RELATED:

  • City OKs Investigation into Mayor Pro-Tem's Alleged 'Bullying' at Royal Oak Animal Shelter


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