SALEM–A member of the city council has resigned his position.

In a letter of resignation addressed to city Council President Evan Newman and Columbiana County Republican Party Chairman Dave Johnson Thursday, City Councilman Jake Gano announced that he would be resigning his council seat Tuesday, a day before tonight’s finance committee and city council meetings.

In the letter Gano said that he was resigning his position ahead of the conclusion of his term on Dec. 31 “due to increased work-related travel commitments that will prevent [him] from attending the remaining council meetings this year,” noting that he felt it was “in the best interest of Council and the residents of Salem to step down,” so that the seat could be filled by someone “able to fully participate through the end of the term.”

The letter also stated that Gano was “proud to have had the opportunity to serve our community,” and that he was grateful for the trust that had been placed in him. He also described the experience of collaborating with the other members of council and being able to “contribute to the positive progress of our city over these past 5 years” as an honor and noted that he remains “fully committed to supporting Salem’s continued growth and success.”