Traverse City Commissioner Roger Putman has tended his resignation effective November 8, with the remaining two years of his term – which ends in November 2023 – to be filled in the regularly scheduled November 2 election this fall.

In a resignation letter submitted to City Clerk Benjamin Marentette, Putman – who has Parkinson's disease – cited "ongoing and mounting health issues which have made it increasingly difficult for me to keep pace with the demands of serving as a city commissioner" in his decision to step down. "While I regret having to make this decision, I feel it is necessary and important to ensure Traverse City electors have appropriate notice to consider qualified candidates for the remaining two-year term and allow me, with the support of my family and friends, to tackle the related health issues that have led to this most difficult decision," he wrote.

Putman was appointed to the city commission to fill a vacancy in October 2018 and then ran for and won election to a full four-year term in the November 2019 election. “Commissioner Putman is the epitome of conscientiousness and it has been a pleasure to work with him and observe his heart for Traverse City," Marentette said in a statement. "We look forward to working with Commissioner Putman over the next few months. Please be sure to wave a friendly hello when you see him walking his four-legged friend in Boardman Neighborhood and beyond. We wish Roger the absolute best as he tackles his own personal health issues."

Putman's departure in November means there will now be five commission seats – a board majority – up for grabs in the November 2 election. Candidates can run to serve the remaining two years of Putman's seat, or vie for three available full four-year terms, with the terms of Brian McGillivary, Christie Minervini, and Tim Werner up this fall. The position of Traverse City mayor - currently held by Jim Carruthers - will also be up grabs for a two-year term. Candidates, including those seeking reelection, have until July 20 at 4pm to file to run for office with the city clerk's office.