St. Clair Shores Mayor: No Illegal Activity by Former Manager Ben Hughes

Mayor Kip Walby addressed the resignation of City Manager Ben Hughes during the City Council meeting Monday, and stated there was no illegal activity surrounding his decision to leave.

"Things occurred in Mr. Hughes' personal life that led the city and Mr. Hughes to conclude that it was in the best interest for both parties to part ways," he said.

Walby added that during Hughes' tenure the city was successful in budgeting and attracting new projects, but since the resignation he had heard "rumors and innuendos" about Hughes' departure.

"I just want to put the to bed that there was some type of illegal activity, or hand in the cookie jar. It is absolutely false," he said. "There is no truth to them at all."

Before introducing acting City Manager Michael Smith, Walby offered his thoughts for Hughes and urged the community to continue praying for Hughes, his family and "his complete recovery."

The city is currently being run by Smith, who has worked in municipal government for 26 years. The past seven years he has been with St. Clair Shores.

"He is very familiar with the issues being assistant city manager and human resources director for the majority of that time," Walby said.

The search for new city manager will likely begin in January, he added.