Technically Mike Tate is not "stepping down" he is not running for re-election. He is going to keep his cushy, well paying job until the very last day he can. Besides he has one more spring election to lose.
Mike Tate relinquishing his role as head of the ole boys club, will now set in motion a bunch of people trying to take over his seat at head of the Ole Boys table. Hopefully whoever ends up taking his place has a firmer grip on reality.