FLINT, Mich. -- The mayor of Flint has announced his resignation, only weeks before he was to face a recall election.

Don Williamson, 75, said Monday he is retiring because of health concerns.

“My doctors have all told me that I should think about relaxing my schedule,” said the major.

Williamson has been suffering from sinus infections and kidney stones.

The mayor will leave his post effective at midnight Saturday and newly named City Administrator Michael Brown will become the acting mayor.

Williamson was re-elected Flint mayor in 2007 when he defeated challenger Dayne Walling with 51 percent of the vote.

The Feb. 24 recall stemmed from claims Williamson mismanaged city funds and violated the public trust by misrepresenting the city's finances.

Recall supporters also said he endangered public safety by proposing the elimination of 59 police officers and nine firefighters.

Williamson announced last year he would run for governor of Michigan in 2010 as a Democrat.

It was not immediately clear how his announcement Monday will effect that race.

Williamson is a millionaire who received a token $1 salary as mayor.

His resignation will be effective Feb. 15 at midnight.

A primary mayoral election will be scheduled for May and a special election will follow in August.

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