Oct. 28 was a memorable day for Jason Whiting. That morning he was appointed and sworn in as District III’s representative to the Navajo County Board of Supervisors, and that evening he tended his resignation as vice mayor and council member for the Town of Snowflake. Whiting also withdrew his name as the sole candidate for mayor.

“It’s with a heavy heart and mixed emotions that I formally resign from the Snowflake Town Council,” said Whiting. “I look forward to working with you in a different capacity as we move forward.”

Whiting expressed appreciation to the staff. “I work with a lot of people, but, boy, have I enjoyed working with the staff at the Town of Snowflake,” he said. “People don’t realize how unconditionally they serve.” He noted that they put in many, many hours, but he has seen them get chewed out by someone after working all night to get services repaired.

“I think working with so many of you people, it rubbed off on me and made me look better than I am,” said Whiting.

Mayor Kelly Willis thanked Whiting for all he has done and all he will continue to do, noting that he appreciated all the committees that Whiting has worked on. “You’ve taken a role for a wonderful town,” he said.

“With great regret, but happy for you, I’d like to make a motion to accept your resignation as of Oct. 20,” said the mayor. The motion passed unanimously.

Due to his appointment to the Board of Supervisors Whiting withdrew as a candidate for mayor in Snowflake’s primary election.

Town Manager Paul Watson explained that due to a printing error on the ballot for the primary election, the Nov. 4 general election would be the primary election for the town and Whiting’s name would be listed on the ballot.

After researching what the procedure should be to move forward, and consulting with legal counsel, other towns and election officials, Watson asked the council to approve a resolution noting that there will be no candidate on the ballot for the general election that will be held in March if two town council candidates do not receive 50 percent plus one vote in the primary.

A mayor will be appointed by the town council to serve for a period of two years, until the next scheduled election, then a mayor will be elected for a four-year term, returning the office to a four-year cycle.

The council unanimously approved Resolution 14-15, which authorized the procedure to resolve the withdrawal of the sole candidate for the office of mayor in the primary election.