In a letter hand delivered by his lawyer to Jerry Dendinger, clerk of council, McCloskey cited the pending civil and criminal cases against him as reasons for his resignation.

”I thank all of those people in the community who have continued to voice their support for me during these difficult times,” McCloskey wrote. ”I particularly appreciate the support of my constituents, who I have attempted to serve to the best of my ability while in office.”

McCloskey, who was first elected in 1993, faces two bribery counts, which he has pleaded not guilty to, in Lucas County Common Pleas Court. He is scheduled to appear in court May 9 for trial. He is also a defendant in a $10 million civil suit filed in U.S. District Court by Michigan charter-school developer EJS Properties. The city is a co-defendant in that case.

”Bob and I have been friends for a long time,” said Rob Ludeman, president of council, April 26. ”I think he’s probably doing what’s best for his family.”

Council has 30 days from the time McCloskey’s resignation becomes effective to nominate and approve someone to fill his seat. Should it fail to do so, Mayor Carty Finkbeiner can appoint an individual to fill the vacancy.

Councilman George Sarantou said news of McCloskey’s resignation was sad for McCloskey, but also for those who served with him on council.

”I’m troubled by the events surrounding his resignation,” Sarantou said. ”Clearly this reflects on all of [council], unfortunately,” he said.

McCloskey, 61, represented East Toledo before moving into an at-large seat on council Jan. 3. His District 3 seat is now held by fellow Democrat Taylor Balderas.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 26th, 2006 at 12:00 am and is filed under TFP Version 1.
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