NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - It’s been a tumultuous term for the North Adams City Council. Four councilors have resigned since being sworn in four years ago, and two of those resignations have come in the past month. 

The two most recent resignations, council president Jason LaForest on Aug. 16 and Marie Harpin on Aug. 31, come just two months away from the next election and the end of their terms.

Both LaForest and Harpin did not respond to a request for comment. They each made posts on social media and cited "shameful" politics and "an increasingly toxic" environment as reasons for their departure.

Several remaining councilors said they are disappointed by the timing of the resignations.

“Over the years that I’ve served, there have been times when councilors, they disagree, we don’t always get along, we’re not elected to get along,” councilor Keith Bona said. “But at the same time, you’re there, people voted for you and elected you to serve them.”

“I’m disappointed, not just because of them leaving, but because of the state that leaves us in,” councilor Ben Lamb said. “It leaves us with a seven person council now.”

The two new open seats won’t be filled until after the election in November. Still, councilors are optimistic there won’t be a disruption to their business for the rest of the term.

“There’s not a whole lot left in the rest of the year,” councilor Pete Oleskiewicz said. “But I believe that the seven of us that are left right now will do what we’re supposed to do in an adult manner and hope for the best in the next cycle that we’ll have a good crew that comes on board.”

Marie Harpin will be on the ballot for the upcoming election. If she does end up winning a seat, it will be up to her whether to accept or decline.

The ballot includes five other incumbents, along with eight newcomers, and the top nine vote-getters will win a spot on the council.