Sterling Heights Mayor Takes Leave To Fight Cancer
By Edward Cardenas
STERLING HEIGHTS (CBS Detroit) - Mayor Richard Notte announced Monday he will be stepping down from his position to battle pancreatic cancer.
Notte, who has been mayor of Michigan's third largest city for the past 21 years, informed residents that he was suffering from pancreatic cancer through a letter posted on the city's Facebook page.
"Throughout my life I have endured many personal challenges, but none as formidable as the one that I now face," Notte wrote. "My treatment will, for the immediate future, be the priority that prevents me from keeping the regular schedule I have been accustomed to as your mayor over the past 21 years."
Notte stated that he will begin cancer treatment in the coming days, and stated he is "optimistic" that the will be able to resume his mayoral duties "in time."
In his absence, Mayor Pro Tem Michael Taylor will step in to handle the duties of the office of mayor.
"While this path will not be easy, I draw strength and courage from knowing that I do not walk it alone," Notte added. "I look forward to seeing everyone soon but until then please keep my family, others who are struggling with similar challenges and me in your prayers."
Prior to being elected mayor in 1993, Notte served 10 years on city council. Notte's absence will not affect the day-to-day operations of the city as Sterling Height has a council/manager form of government where the city manager is responsible for the operations of the city.