LANSING, Mich. (Great Lakes News) – A former high-ranking Michigan Republican lawmaker started and resigned from the same job within a week.

Lee Chatfield quit as leader of Southwest Michigan First in Kalamazoo, an economic development group. He walked away just days after leaders in the region panned his hiring.

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Chatfield says the organization needs someone with a “blank political slate that won’t won’t bring about” division. Chatfield’s hiring as chief executive of Southwest Michigan First was criticized in the Kalamazoo area because of his conservative political views.

Chatfield represented 107th House district for six years and climbed the ladder to become speaker.