Brookfield Mayor Steven Ponto takes abrupt leave of absence

BROOKFIELD, Wis. -- The City of Brookfield is facing unexpected leadership changes after Mayor Steven Ponto announced he's taking a leave of absence less than two months after he was re-elected.

District 4 Alderman Mike Hallquist, who ran against him for the position, posted a picture of the letter Ponto sent to the Brookfield city clerk, where the mayor cites personal issues that may affect his duties -- including what Ponto describes as a physical or mental disability.

Now, Council President Gary Mahkorn will serve as acting mayor. 

On Monday, Brookfield residents like Yusuf Abu-Hatoum said they hope they receive clarity soon.

"I hope he's in good health, and may God bless him, I have no idea what the details are," Abu-Hatoum said. "If this is sudden, it's like, I'm saddened by the news. If he knew about it before, I would've thought that he should've been more transparent about it."

In a statement to CBS 58, Ald. Hallquist said he hopes the mayor is okay and "wishes him well."

"I am confident in the Common Council, Acting-Mayor Mahkorn, and the City's ability to step-in until the Mayor returns," the statement said.

District 1 Alderwoman Sara Monty also sent CBS 58 a statement which read in full:

"I wish Mayor Ponto a quick recovery from whatever prompted the need for a leave of absence. I trust that Alderman Mahkorn will do a fine job as acting mayor and the city staff will continue to do an excellent job serving our residents. Hopefully, this is a short-term situation."

It is currently unclear how long Mayor Ponto's leave of absence will be as no timeline has been given for his return.