Ray Spencer submitted a letter of resignation Monday, saying a new job with a Kanab developer will demand too much of his time to continue in his part-time elected post.

"I have appreciated the opportunity to serve my community in this position for the past almost six years," wrote Spencer in his letter to fellow Commissioners Mark Habbeshaw and Dan Hulet.

The resignation takes effect Oct. 1.

Kane County commissioners have made headlines feuding with the federal government over ownership of roads on public lands - including southern Utah's 10-year-old Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - and Spencer encouraged the commission to continue its battle.

"At times I ponder the petty requests and strong-arm demands of the [Bureau of Land Management] and the Department of Interior for us to give up access rights and abilities to regulate activities on historical roadways as if we did not understand their motives," Spencer wrote.

That tone surprised one of the county's leading fed fighters.

"It surprised me that public lands issues have the importance they do to him," said Habbeshaw, noting that he has been the one negotiating with the Interior Department about roads.

"I always reported to the other two commissioners and with Garfield County Commission now in the negotiations, we've been six minds that see the roads issue exactly the same."

Habbeshaw said he already has contacted the county's Republican Party boss. The GOP will have 30 days to submit three names to fill Spencer's seat. The commission then will have 45 days to pick a replacement for the $19,000-a-year job.

Spencer's term was set to expire in January 2009. Earlier, he made a run for county treasurer but lost in the primary.

mhavnes@sltrib.com