Marshall Bronson, Chairman of the Port of Coupeville, will not complete his final month as a port commissioner.

Bronson tendered his resignation last week effective Thursday, Nov. 19, after approving lease agreements with tenants at the Greenbank Farm, a contract with new port executive director Forrest Rambo and 2016 port budget.

“The year 2015 is drawing to a close and the Port of Coupeville is facing a new series of adjustments as, for the first time, it can take responsibility for the operation of the Greenbank Farm,” he read from his resignation letter. “It is imperative that this action be done with efficiency, effective planning and execution.

“The year 2016 will see two new commissioners and a new executive director. It is essential that this team work together and have an opportunity to establish its view of operations and goals as quickly as possible.”

Interim Commissioner John Carr’s position will end Tuesday, Nov. 24 when the election is certified. Incoming Commissioner John Mishasek can be sworn into office by Island County Auditor Sheilah Crider that day.

Bronson said this week that his early resignation was in response to a combination of things.

He went on to say there were a number of issues he was trying to get in order, for example, the Greenbank Farm website, and he was trying to move forward in the direction the new board would like.

He said resigning at this time allows the new team to be in place prior to January.

“I was a little ticked off that I had sent a number of messages to these people (the new board of commissioners) and none of them responded,” Bronson said.

Bronson’s resignation comes just months after many community members asked Bronson and Carr to step down and let incoming commissioners Mishasek and William Bell take office early.

When asked why he chose to step down now and not then, Bronson said now felt right and wasn’t done because of pressure from the public.

“I’m not stepping down because people don’t like me,” he said. “I was elected to do a job.

“I felt it was a beneficial thing to do now.”

With Bronson resigning before his term expires, Bell could be appointed to serve the remainder of Bronson’s term.

“Mr. Bell would be considered an interim commissioner until Jan. 1, and would have to be re-sworn as the elected commissioner in January when his elected term begins,” said David Day, current executive director for the port.

Appointing Bell to fill the position must be done in a public session. The board could opt to hold a special meeting or will have to wait until the Dec. 9 regular meeting. The port could also opt to leave Bronson’s position unfilled until the new year.

Commissioner Mike Diamanti, who is the only continuing board member and will serve as new board chair, said he will propose appointing Bell at the Dec. 9 meeting.

Bell did not return a request for comment.