Michigan Treasurer Resigns

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Andy Dillon, treasurer of Michigan, speaks at the Bloomberg State & Municipal Finance Conference in New York, U.S., on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011. During this year's budget season, states face more challenges than ever as they set financial priorities against the backdrop of lower property tax revenue, lower sales tax revenue and high unemployment. Photographer: Peter Foley/Bloomberg *** Local Caption *** Andy Dillon

CHICAGO — Michigan Treasurer Andy Dillon, a longtime top Democratic state figure and a key architect of Detroit's takeover, is resigning.

Dillon announced the resignation Friday. It came after months of negative headlines over a bitter divorce with his wife, a stint in rehab for alcoholism, and questions over campaign funds.

"It has become clear to me — as it likely is to most — that it is unfair to my family and the residents of Michigan, to allow issues related to my recent divorce and the unfortunate acrimony associated with it to be a continued source of media attention and scrutiny," Dillon said in a statement. "My family deserves privacy and our residents deserve to know their State Treasurer is not distracted by such issues and events. For these personal and professional reasons, I have determined it is in the best interests of all that I resign.

"I am deeply committed to Governor Snyder and have tremendous respect for him and his unbending commitment to the people of Michigan. I want to thank the Governor for the opportunity to serve as Treasurer and will work closely with his office to ensure a smooth transition to my successor.

"I have always considered it a privilege and honor to work on behalf of all Michigan residents and will look back fondly on my years of service in Lansing."

Dillon will continue to serve as treasurer until Snyder appoints a successor, the state said.

The announcement came a day after Dillon sat for a three-hour deposition with union attorneys grilling state officials about the decisions leading up to Detroit's bankruptcy.

As treasurer, Dillon oversaw the state's program for distressed local governments. He played a key role in pushing for stronger state control over local affairs in troubled credits, including passing the state's current law, Public Act 436.

Dillon was also a member of the review team that investigated Detroit's finances in the months leading up to the state takeover, and helped Snyder in the decision to choose an emergency manager for the city.

Before becoming treasurer, Dillon was three-term Democratic legislator and Speaker of the House for two of those terms.

Snyder said in a statement he accepted Dillon's resignation with "regret but understanding."

"He has been instrumental in many of the comprehensive reforms that are contributing to Michigan's comeback," Snyder said. "Andy has worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Michigan, and we're a stronger state because of his dedication, expertise and leadership ... His partnership with Detroit to assist in the city's turnaround is just one example of Andy's positive impact on Michigan."

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