RINCON -- James Dasher is no longer a member of the Rincon City Council.

Dasher, re-elected to his third four-year term in 2019, turned in a letter of resignation Sept. 28. The resignation went into effect two days later.

In his letter to the council, Dasher said, "After long contemplation and much thought, it is with a lot of emotion and a heavy heart that I feel it is time for me to step away from public service and resign my position as a Rincon City Councilman. I am currently in my 17th year as an elected official. Eight years on the (Effingham County) board of education and in my ninth years on City Council.

"Our Mayor, Council and administrative staff has strong leadership today and with the next municipal election being more than a year away, I feel that now is a good time for me to step aside and allow someone else to come on and work with a seasoned mayor and council and gain experience before the next election.

"Thank you to the Rincon employees. Y'all work hard to make Rincon the great place that it is today and I sincerely appreciate each and every one of you.

"The resignation is effective September 30, 2020.

"Sincerely, James W. Dasher."

The council will soon appoint Dasher's replacement until the next election.