Explaining that he’s “not a politician,” Tiverton Town Council member Blake Hayden resigned his seat Wednesday, just four months after he was elected to fill the last seat on the seven-member board. Former councilor vice president Mike Burk, who finished just out of the running in November with 83 fewer votes than Hayden, is expected to fill the now-empty seat early next month.

In a resignation letter to interim town administrator Patrick Jones, Hayden gave no reason for his departure but thanked his colleagues, town officials and residents for their support during his brief tenure. In a phone call later in the day, he said that while he was elected to a political position, “I’m just a normal, regular townie.”

Hayden said pushback he’s received on his legislative proposals led him to conclude that his time would be better spent on other interests, including his health and fitness and his family. Despite resigning, Hayden said he still plans to stay involved with the community, mentioning that he is very passionate about the historical cemeteries commission and planning and zoning concerns, and said he believes changes need to be made at a state level.

“I think stuff actually needs to get changed at the state level to make a difference locally,” Hayden said.

Under the town code, Mike Burk, who finished in eighth place last November, will be appointed to the open seat during the town council’s next meeting on Monday, April 7, after he agreed to return.

“I appreciate Blake’s service to the town and look forward to working with this council,” Burk said.