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Perez To Resign On Friday. Kind of.

Jeff Cohen

June 22, 2010

Mayor Eddie A. Perez says he’ll resign on Friday, but that the “effective date will be worked out with Council leadership in order to allow for a smooth transition.”

The full statement is below. We’re asking for some clarification. The statement says nothing of his self-appointed post on the board of education.

10:37 a.m. UPDATE: Susan McMullen, Perez’s chief of staff, clarified the mayor’s statement in a phone call.

She says the mayor will give his letter of resignation this Friday, but he won’t actually resign until a later date — that date, she says, will be worked out with Council President Pedro Segarra.

“He wants people to know that it’s in the works, it’s going to be soon, and he just wants to give the council president as much latitude as possible,” McMullen said.

As for Perez’s schedule until his resignation, McMullen said he’ll “be in and out. We’ve got a number of loose ends to tie up, matters that he’s got to brief the council president about, and get everything ready for the new mayor.”

McMullen said she and Perez have not discussed his seat on the city’s board of education.

Perez’s Statement:

“After lengthy and heartfelt discussions with my family and Council President Pedro Segarra, I will submit my letter of resignation as Mayor on Friday, June 25, 2010. The effective date will be worked out with Council leadership in order to allow for a smooth transition.

I want to thank the employees of the City for their hard work and dedication in serving the residents of Hartford by always putting them first. I’m especially proud of our achievements together improving our schools, reducing crime, and maintaining financial stability during a worldwide economic crisis.

It is time to move the City forward. I am truly sorry for the mistakes I have made that have harmed the City that I love.”