CA: San Diego councilman quits after felony (Ralph Inzunza)

AP on Bakersfield Californian ^ | 7/21/05 | AP - San Diego

[NormsRevenge]

SAN DIEGO (AP) - A city councilman announced his resignation Thursday, three days after he was convicted of federal corruption charges in a failed scheme to overturn San Diego's ban on touching dancers at strip clubs.

Ralph Inzunza, 35, said his resignation would take effect Monday. In a three-sentence letter, he said he was stepping down "in order that the business of the city may continue."

Inzunza and Michael Zucchet, a fellow councilman and acting mayor, were suspended from office Monday after a jury convicted them of conspiracy, extortion and wire fraud. Zucchet announced his resignation Tuesday at an emotional news conference outside City Hall.

Inzunza's attorney, Michael Pancer, said earlier this week that his client would resign but Inzunza had refused to comment since making defiant remarks outside the courthouse Monday.

"I'm not commenting to the media anymore. I'm done," Inzunza told The San Diego Union-Tribune on Tuesday.

Inzunza was elected to the City Council in 2001, then won re-election the next year with 70 percent of the vote.

Councilwoman Toni Atkins, who is acting mayor, said the resignations "will certainly allow the city to move forward again."

Voters go to the polls Tuesday to pick a mayor to replace Dick Murphy, who resigned amid a wave of scandals. If no one wins a majority, the top two finishers will compete in a Nov. 8 runoff.

An election to replace Inzunza and Zucchet on the City Council has not been scheduled.

[NormsRevenge]

A couple of days ago, his compadre , Michael Zucchet stepped down.

CA: Convicted San Diego councilman resigns (Zucchet) ^

[republican2005]

I'm confused... according to the dems, if it involves sex then it can't be a crime...

[BurbankKarl]

Took him what, two years?

[perfect stranger]

Their home base being San Francisco, I would guess they are Democrats.

[ncountylee]

The reason for the delay was to allow him enough time to file for a spiked, inflated retirement claim.

[counterpunch]

"failed scheme to overturn San Diego's ban on touching dancers at strip clubs"

This was part of an attempt by San Diego Democrats to hold the 2004 Democratic Convention in their city. Bill Clinton personally told them he would back their bid if they were successful.