Local News

In accordance with his previously announced intentions, Mayor Keisuke Hiwatashi of Takeo, Saga Prefecture, resigned after a recall petition was formally received by a citizens’ group opposed to his plan to privatize the municipal hospital. In submitting his resignation, Mayor Hiwatashi said he will resign and run again to determine whether he has the trust of the citizens. The mayor also said during a press conference that the recall process could take six months, creating a vacuum in municipal administration. A recall election, on the other hand could be held as early as the end of next month.