Grand Forks County Commissioner John Schmisek announced his resignation at a meeting Tuesday.
Citing personal reasons and the desire to spend time with family, Schmisek will leave the commission June 5 after serving seven years. He said he plans to move away and looks forward to spending time with his grandchildren.
"Born and raised here," he said. "Never thought I would leave, but here we are."
Schmisek was heavily involved with the development of the Grand Sky unmanned aerial systems tech pack. He joked about coming back for the first tenant's groundbreaking ceremony but noted the industry has unlimited potential for the region and state.
Prior to being elected to the commission, Schmisek was hired by the city in 1971 as a temporary on-the-job accountant.
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According to Herald archives, two former mayors and current mayor Mike Brown sung his praises and wished him well at his 2008 retirement party before he joined the commission.
"I've enjoyed it completely," Schmisek said. "After 37 years in city government as an employee and continuing this, it has kept me active after retirement. It has kept my brain functioning."
The commission will accept applications to fill Schmisek's seat until the next election in 2016. The group also approved asking the presiding judge or someone the judge designates to sit in as the fifth commissioner to appoint Schmisek's replacement, avoiding a tie vote.
Many on the commission said they were sad to see him leave.
"I'm not going to say anything because I'll cry," Commission Chairwoman Diane Knauf said.
Schmisek said he would tell his successor to be open minded.
"Be willing to imagine possibilities for the region, and be willing to take some risks and challenges as long as it doesn't affect the taxpayer's pocketbook," he said.
