Joe Luginski, who was re-elected mayor of Clarkston this past November, missed 11 of 25 meetings since March 2014, including the Dec. 8 meeting.
Luginski said being mayor and a council member means more than showing up twice a month for council meetings.
“People may not realize the personal time and time away from my private business day I take to attend to matters for the city,” he said. “Whether it be phone calls, meeting with the city manager, attending committee meetings or answering emails, two meetings a month is not all the position requires.?
Responding to rumors he was leaving Clarkston, Luginski said he had no plans to do so.
He previously posted a response on Facebook to rumors that he was retiring.
“Apparently a few residents have said that my family and I plan to move in the near future, either because we are forced to for financial reasons or simply because we want to leave the village,? he said.
‘I have no intention of moving ? we love living here in the City of the Village of Clarkston because of its historic downtown and neighborhoods, great families, and supportive neighbors. We plan to stay for many years.”
When previously asked about his absences, Luginski said his travel scedule should be slowing down.
‘I never told you that missing meetings would end. What I did tell you, months ago, was that I thought my travel would lighten in 2015, allowing me to attend most City Council meetings. I did not, will not and cannot guarantee that I will never miss a meeting in the future, nor would I ask that from anyone on council. That would be unrealistic,” he said.
He declined to answer a question about his salary.
‘The question regarding the stipend I receive for being mayor is inappropriate and I choose not to respond,? he said.
According to the city charter, the mayor receives a $3,850 annual salary.