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JANUARY 28, 2026 • Vol. 19, No. 2
FARMINGTON HILLS CITY MANAGER RESIGNS BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
In what some called a “forced resignation,” the Farmington Hills City Council voted 4-3 to accept the resignation of former City Manager Gary Mekjian.
FARMINGTON HILLS — During a closed session of the Farmington Hills City Council Jan. 7, council members discussed the resignation of the city manager, Gary Mekjian. His resignation was accepted by a 4-3 vote. Voting in favor of the city manager’s resignation were Mayor Theresa Rich and council members Bill Dwyer, Jackie Boleware and Michael Bridges. Voting not to accept his resignation were council members Valerie Knol, Jon Aldred and Charlie Starkman. The mayor and council members Dwyer and Knol said they could not discuss anything from the closed meeting due to strict confidentiality requirements. Rich called for the special meeting with the support of Dwyer and Boleware. To call a special meeting, the member initiating it only needs the support of two other members. “I am only allowed to talk to two other council members about something we may be deliberating and voting on because I am not allowed to talk to a quorum of council,” she said. See RESIGN on page 2A
Farmington Hills swears in new mayor pro tem FARMINGTON HILLS — Jackie Boleware, a longtime member of the Farmington Hills City Council, was sworn in as mayor pro tem by City Clerk Carly Lindahl at a council meeting Jan. 12. The council previously approved her for the role with a unanimous vote Dec. 8. Councilman Bill Dwyer was the previous mayor pro tem. Bo-
leware was last mayor pro tem during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This time, she will have the opportunity to serve a full year and be able to attend all of the events,” said Mayor Theresa Rich. Boleware shared her enthusiasm for the new role. “I am thrilled and excited. I look forward to that opportunity in the coming months,” Boleware said at the Dec. 8 meeting. “I would like to thank all of my councilmen for the vote.”
Photo provided
See BOLEWARE on page 7A
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BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
Farmington Hills City Councilwoman Jackie Boleware is the new mayor pro tem.