Facing Surgery, Councilman Brennan Won’t Seek Re-election

Incumbent Rochester Hills City Councilman J. Martin Brennan said he won’t run for re-election this year because he was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Brennan said Wednesday that he is scheduled for robotic surgery May 26.

“Given my health condition and time to recuperate, I could not maintain an effective campaign,” he said. “You know the physical activity to campaign locally. You have to go door to door.”

Brennan does not expect to undergo chemotherapy or radiation after complete removal of his prostate. He said he will complete his current term. “I don’t see that being a problem.”

Brennan was elected to the District 2 seat on council in 2007 and is completing his first term. Four people have filed to run for his seat in the Aug. 2 primary election:  Howard Elandt, Adam Kochenderfer, Michael Kotubey and Laurie Puscas. Kochenderfer and Elandt also filed to run for at-large seats and have until Friday to withdraw from one of the races.

Brennan is an attorney in private practice. Before his election to council, he served on the city’s zoning board of appeals and the board of Community Media Network. He rose to president of the board at CMN when it undergoing serious internal turmoil and was credited with helping to restore the organization’s reputation.

“I have nothing but respect for Marty,” said Mayor Bryan Barnett. “I think he’s made the decision that is right for him and his family.”

 Barnett said Brennan’s passion is the quality that stands out.

“Marty brought a certain passion to a lot of issues,” the mayor said. “He was someone who really cared a lot about what was going on in the community. … He’s just a great guy and it was an honor to serve with him the last four years. I’m sure he’ll stay involved. I’m sure he’ll bring the same passion to his recovery.”

Brennan said he feels “really lucky” that his cancer was caught early and is “very treatable.” Looking back on his time on council, he said there were ups and downs but overall, he was happy to be part of it.

“There’s good and bad,” he said. “You’ve got thick skin; you get through it. We took on the tough issues.”

By Annette Kingsbury

Comments

  1. doug ward says

    I wish you the very best. I honestly have 4 or 5 friends who have gone though the same thing and everyone of them are doing well today. I probably didnt agree agree with you half the time you were on council, but things like this remind us all of what is really important. Our health and spending time with those who are important in your life. Good luck.

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