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The KUCB Newsroom provides newscasts Monday through Thursday at noon and 5 PM on KUCB Radio. You can find many of our local news stories here.

Fitch Resigns City Council Seat For Retirement; Vacancy To Be Filled By Appointment

Laura Kraegel/KUCB

City Councilor Jim Fitch is resigning his seat about two years into his three-year term. He said he's retiring to Olympia, Washington after more than 30 years in Unalaska.

"I raised my kids here. It's been a great place," said Fitch. "But as I get older, I have other needs. Part of it is being around my family more. Part of it is health issues. And I'd like to be in a little bit nicer weather climate so I can ride my motorcycle and take my wife on trips."

Fitch ran for City Council in 2017 after a long career at Unalaska's powerhouse.

He said he's enjoyed his first stint in elected office, especially working through the budget process to help fund local schools and nonprofits.

"Over the years, I'd made comments about councils and stuff." he said. "So I thought, 'Well, if I'm so smart, I should get on there and put in my time and see if I can help.' It's worth it to do. Everybody should do it."

Councilors accepted Fitch's resignation at a meeting on Tuesday and announced they'll accept applications for his vacant seat through Jan. 6. They'll review applicants at a special meeting Jan. 9 and appoint one to the council.

That appointee will hold seat B until the next municipal election in October of 2020.

Laura Kraegel reported for KUCB from 2016 until 2020. She was KUCB's news director starting in 2019. We are proud to have her back in the spring of 2023 filling in as an interim reporter for KUCB.
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