Oak Harbor Councilmember Jeff Mack announced his resignation from the elected position in a letter emailed to city officials last week.

The resignation was effective Dec. 30. Mack cited personal issues and his decision to retire from his jewelry business as reasons for leaving office, according to a statement from the city.

Whoever is appointed to the council will be the fourth new member of the seven-person body in about three months.

Three new council members were elected to office in November. Bryan Stucky was sworn in after the vote was certified in November since he replaced an appointed position. In addition, Shane Hoffmire and Dan Evans were sworn in this week.

Mack served on the council since January 2020. Under state law, the council has 90 days to appoint a replacement, who would then serve until the election is certified in November 2023.

Under the city administration’s proposed procedure for filling the vacancy, the open position will be advertised throughout January, with a deadline for applicants at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 31. A candidate must be a registered voter in the county and an Oak Harbor resident.

The council will review the applicants at its Feb. 15 meeting and possibly create a shortlist for candidates to be interviewed during a Feb. 23 workshop meeting.

Under state law, the interviews must take place in public, but the council can then go into executive session to discuss the qualifications of the applications. No decisions can be made behind closed doors, not even casual agreements about who is the best candidate. The council will then resume the open session to vote on the appointment and whoever wins could be sworn in.

Mack and his wife have lived in Oak Harbor for more than 40 years. He owned the local Island Jewelers and Whidbey Jeweler since 1991. He supports many local organizations, including the Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation and Help House, according to the city.