From the Desk of 5th Ward Councilman

Chas Kelley
Oct. 17It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as City Councilmember for the 5th Ward. Over the past ten years, it has been my greatest honor to serve the residents of North San Bernardino. Together we have accomplished a great deal for our local neighborhoods. Unfortunately, I have made a terrible mistake and let my constituents, as well as all of the residents of San Bernardino, down. My failure to properly report campaign expenses and contributions is a criminal violation that I am deeply embarrassed about. These were mistakes on my part, but they are nevertheless violations that preclude me from holding an office of public trust. Although I have already taken action to correct my campaign reporting errors, I nevertheless am taking full responsibility for my mistakes and accepting the legal consequences. Therefore I am resigning from the City Council effective immediately and withdrawing my candidacy for the Office of Mayor. Some elected officials would chose to fight such matters in court to the bitter end, but I believe that our City and our County have suffered enough from political controversy and that the proper course of action is resignation. I profoundly apologize for any embarrassment that I have caused to the residents of the 5th Ward and to the many others who have supported me for election. San Bernardino is a wonderful community and I wish our residents only the best in the years to come.