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Stanton Township supervisor resigns: Mattila cites health concerns

STANTON TOWNSHIP -- Stanton Township Supervisor John Mattila is resigning due to medical reasons, he announced at Wednesday's township meeting.

Mattila had served on the township board before being elected as supervisor in November. His father had held the same post 40 years ago, Mattila said.

"I was a trustee, and I retired from my full-time job, so I thought I'd have the time," he said after the meeting. "But in the last few months, some health issues came up where I was advised by the doctor I had to cut back on something."

Though he couldn't take sole credit for it, Mattila's proud of what the township has accomplished in repairing the Father's Day Flood damage in the township, from the Red Ridge Dam to the Kenner Dome. Those projects are ongoing, as is the contentious wind farm issue that accounted for most of Wednesday's crowd. His resignation was in the works prior to that project becoming prominent, he said.

"I've been involved in those, so I hate to just let it go and leave them hanging, but it's for the best," he said after the meeting.

During Wednesday's meeting, he also reminded the board of several other issues, such as whether to proceed with the Houghton County Recreation Authority, construction of a playground at Agate Beach and whether to have flood insurance.

The board voted to accept Mattila's resignation with regret. Under state law, the township board appoints a replacement, who will serve the remainder of the term.

Mattila said he plans to stay involved with the township as much as he can.

"With the time it was taking and the energy it was taking, I just had to go," he said.