In a surprise announcement Monday night, the 62-year-old fiery lady mayor - one of the most controversial figures in Heights history - announced she will relinquish the post on that date.
But while giving up her duties as head of Muskegon Heights, she said she will continue her efforts on behalf of consolidation of the two cities in the August primary.
Stunned city councilmen were speechless until Councilman Kenneth Heineman declared “you’re not one for surprises, are you?”
Mayor Courtright gave no reason for her decision at the council meeting, but later stated two factors were involved.
She said opposition from two councilmen, Andrew L. Dykstra dn Frank Stariha Jr. had made it almost impossible for her to make progress as mayor.
She also explained that her husband A. M. Courtright, a Muskegon Heights High School instructor, is retiring this summer and they plan to travel. But she declared she would have completed her term if she could have received greater council support.
Her decision was not a “spur of the moment” action. She had decided on the announcement prior to the council session, she said. She revealed her plans at the end of a long agenda, just prior to adjournment. City Supt. Donald P. Ziemke and other officials said they had no inkling the mayor planned to resign.
Mayor Courtright said there still would be time to for Heights voters to ballot on her successor in the August primary.
The Heights charter, however, provides for the city council, by a two-third majority, to fill a vacancy within 30 days. Since Councilman Heineman now serves as mayor pro-tempore, it is probably he will complete the term of the mayor until the April election.
Although she admittedly made enemies during her three years in office, no one could deny the Heights mayor had the courage of her convictions.
Time and again she fought other members of the council over a wide range of issues.
“I know I’ve been a lone wolf on a number of occasions, but I can’t go along with the herd if it involves compromising my convictions,” she asserted today.
She said she has been particularly taken up with two issues, racial discriminations and waste of taxpayers money, “Both have involved living with my conscience,” she added.
She declared she will not take any part in politics in the future but will work hard in an effort to see that consolidation of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights becomes a reality in the August primary.
“The future of both cities and of the entire area - demands that they merge,” she declared. “Progress and prosperity of Greater Muskegon depends on it."
Like many previous council sessions, Monday night’s meeting also had its share of controversy.
Her “proposal that Heights voters ballot in the August primary on a proposal calling for an increased levy of 2½ mills to provide funds for urban renewal and other city improvements was opposed by councilmen Dykstra and Stariha.
The two officials contended any such proposal should be more specific if it was to be presented to voters, declaring needs of the city should be explained. Heights voters defeated a request of a 3-mill levy for street improvements and other projects in 1961.
Mayor Courtright was elected to the city’s top post in 1959 after a close race in which she defeated the late Basil P. (Mickey) O’Grady by five votes. She was re-elected to a two-year term in April, 1961.
The latest controversy during her stormy reign involved selection of Fireman James L. Mulready to succeed retired Fire Chief Harry L. Ridout, by passing Asst. Chief John Hawkinson. The appointment received council support but an uproar developed in the fire department.
15 May 1962
Muskegon Chronicle
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