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Controversial West Jordan City Councilman Jeff Haaga has resigned, citing "personal family matters."
The first-term councilman came under fire last year when he was charged with a hit-and-run misdemeanor after drinking at a local tavern. Last October he pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident and was sentenced to a $500 fine and 180 days probation.
The City Council tried but fell short of voting to censure Haaga — not for the misdemeanor, but for telling investigating police that patrons at the bar tried to wrest his car keys away from him and, as a councilman, he was entitled to special protection under the law.
More recently, Haaga had been suspected of living outside of the city after selling his home.
Haaga was elected in 2013 as an "at large" council member, with a term running through this year.
"I wish him the best," said Mayor Kim V. Rolfe. "With so many great people living in our city, I'm confident we will find someone who will be able to effectively fill this position."
In his terse resignation letter, submitted Monday to Rolfe, Haaga said the move was effective immediately.
"I am honored to have served West Jordan and its residents and am proud of the work I've done while in office," he wrote, adding that he asked that his privacy be respected "as a private citizen" during the transition period.
The City Council will likely appoint someone to fill the remainder of the term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2017.
Individuals interested in submitting their names for consideration must be registered voters, must have resided in the City of West Jordan for the past 12 consecutive months, must currently live within the boundaries of the City of West Jordan, and must meet all other legal requirements. Applications should be submitted in person to the City Clerk's Office, West Jordan City Hall, 8000 S. Redwood Road.