There have been some changes in the city government in Buchanan.

Mayor Sean Denison resigned during Monday’s city commission meeting, citing political nastiness and unfounded accusations from some members of the community.

Denison said he got into city government to help make the community a better place, and he’s had plenty of help from good people, but there are also those who seek to sow hostility and spread rumors.

“After discussing it with family and friends, I’ve decided that the level of incivility I’ve dealt with as mayor has reached a level beyond what I consider acceptable for small town politics,” Denison said. “I signed up to help, to work with everyone to improve our community. I didn’t sign up to have my own vandalized.”

Denison resigned as both mayor and city commissioner. This now ends a recall effort against him. Denison called out Commissioner Dan Vigansky as a problem as he said his parting words.

Also this week, we learned Buchanan Assistant Community Development Director Ashley Regal has resigned. She led Live Buchanan, the non-profit economic development group that has brought programs like Munchie Mondays to the community. Chunk’s Ice Cream owner Haley Jones had some positive words for Regal during public comment.

“Ashley’s constant encouragement is what got me through the stressful times,” Jones said. “As someone who started a business from scratch, I know how crucial it is to have someone in your corner cheering you on.”

Jones said just this week, her business passed $100,000 in revenue.

Regal also led the effort to have Buchanan designated as a Michigan Main Street City with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Commissioners were set to consider a formal agreement with Live Buchanan to move that forward later this month, but now that’s up in the air.