GREENFIELD — Citing frustration with some of the city’s top leaders, Doug Mayo has resigned from his role as the city councilor representing Precinct 8.

Mayo, who submitted his resignation to the City Clerk’s Office in late September, effective immediately, said his decision to step down was in part related to health issues — though he emphasized those were secondary to his frustration with Mayor Roxann Wedegartner and Police Chief Robert Haigh Jr. following the May 6, 2022 jury verdict in Hampshire County Superior Court that found Haigh and the Greenfield Police Department racially discriminated against former Officer Patrick Buchanan during the promotional process.

“To me, what happened with that whole thing was an injustice to the citizens of Greenfield,” Mayo said on Wednesday, recalling the “packed house” at subsequent City Council meetings, during which members of the community called for Wedegartner and Haigh’s resignations. “I felt like I did all I could to galvanize and mobilize people to talk to the mayor.”

Wedegartner did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday afternoon.

Mayo, 64, was first elected to City Council in November 2017 and was reelected in November 2021. His term would have ended at the end of 2025. The city native, who moved to Northampton for 20 years, has been back in Greenfield since 2003.

He has served on the Historical Commission and Commission on Disability Access, both of which he hopes to remain involved in. He was also a member of the Library Building Committee.

“I think the biggest highlight [of my time on City Council] was my vote … that got the library passed,” he said.

Among other accomplishments, Mayo highlighted his advocacy for sidewalk improvements, particularly on Wells Street.

City Council Vice President Christine Forgey said with Mayo’s resignation falling within 90 days of an election, the position will have to remain vacant until after the Nov. 7 election.

In the meantime, however, residents who live in Precinct 8 are invited to submit letters of interest to the city clerk.

“People getting their [letters] in now is a good thing,” Forgey said. “It gives us on the council the opportunity to see who has applied for the position.”

Although City Council President Dan Guin will ultimately be tasked with determining which names move forward, the final decision on which person to pick as a new member will require a City Council vote. The appointed individual will serve the rest of Mayo’s term, at which point the position will be placed on the November 2025 ballot.

“It’s a very stressful position. Any kind of public service is stressful,” Forgey said. “I think it should be noted that Doug was very much a part of this council. … He was someone who was there … and participated. I think anybody who goes through that should be praised for their commitment to the community and commitment to the council work.”

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.