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.
