City Council Member Miguel Martinez Resigns

The City Council Member in, ostensibly, better times. (Image: City Council Watch)

With a one-line letter of resignation, City Council Member Miguel Martinez resigned today, reports The New York Times City Room. 

“Dear Speaker Quinn,” Mr. Martinez’s letter began, addressing City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “Effective today, July 14, 2009, I am submitting my resignation to the New York City Council.”

The now former-Council Member is stepping down amidst a flurry of scandal, investigations, and now news of federal charges slated to be enacted tomorrow. The Daily News is reporting that Martinez will plead guilty to the charges, which as of now remain a mystery. 

The Manhattan Times broke the story earlier today. 

Martinez resignation official; remaining District 10 candidates jockey for position

Martinez tendered his resignation today for what sources say is a deal with federal prosecutors to avoid jail time for financial wrong doing. No details about what that might be have been publicly released. Martinez' role in the Council's so called "Slush Fund Scandal" from 2008 included earmarking over $400,000 to a local nonprofit he was closely connected with.
With the resignation, attention turns to what is to become of Martinez' petitions to run for City Council, which sources say he handed in Mon., July 13. A committee of vacancy has been formed to determine what to do with the signatures: decline them or declare a substitute candidate.