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Longtime Wayne County Treasurer Set To Retire After 39 Years

Treasurer
Raymond Wojtowicz

DETROIT (AP) - The longtime treasurer of Wayne County is planning to retire.

Raymond Wojtowicz, 86,  submitted paperwork Wednesday to retire from the position he has held since 1976. The Democrat was last elected in 2012 and also served as mayor of Hamtramck.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement that Wojtowicz "has been a friend for years" and helped "tens of thousands" of homeowners avoid foreclosure. Wayne County Executive Warren Evans says Wojtowicz dedicated his life to public service.

A bonus that Wojtowicz collected as treasurer caught the attention of state lawmakers, who put an end to it in 2012. The Detroit Free Press reports the bonus was given to county treasurers for collecting taxes for municipalities.

A Wayne County panel is expected to meet soon to choose an interim treasurer.

© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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