Here is, word-for-word, the press release sent out last Friday by Sarah Barr for Mayor Eddie Perez.
(June 18, 2010)—
Today’s verdict was a tremendous disappointment to me and my family. Anyone who has followed my forty year career of public service knows that I have never placed personal financial gain before the needs of my community or my city. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support I have received from the residents of the City of Hartford during this difficult period. I am truly sorry for any actions that may have harmed the image and reputation of our community.
I intend to appeal today’s verdict. I believe that under further review by the courts, today’s decision will be overturned.
I have decided that it is not in the best interests of the City and my family for me to continue my duties as Mayor during the appeal of my case. I will formally notify the City Council shortly of my decision to relinquish my duties.
It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the people of this great city as Mayor. Since my election in 2001, we have rebuilt and reinvigorated our schools, significantly reduced crime, created hundreds of new homeownership opportunities, reshaped the face of public housing, revitalized downtown, improved the quality of life in our neighborhoods and made city government more responsive and efficient. As a community, our legacy of progress is tangible, concrete and visible in every city neighborhood. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and I urge all residents of our City to keep that progress moving forward.
It’s not terribly complicated to understand. Here is the dictionary definition of the word “relinquish”:
Oxford English Dictionary lists this as one of the definitions for relinquish: “To give up, resign, surrender”
A synonym of relinquish? Resign.
Everyone has been talking about who loses as a result of this conviction. Perhaps we should take a look at who won: newspapers, television news, and internet news. Until sentencing occurs, there is probably no substantial news related to Perez directly, so the milking of this story can stop now. That the City website is losing photos or that Perez remains at work (he said he would resign but he did not provide a date, so again, no news) are neither shocking nor interesting in the least. It would be more worthwhile to report on Pedro Segarra, who will take the place of Perez, and what will happen with the vacancy that Segarra would create on the City Council.
lobonick
a superior analysis as usual. however, part of the story is that Hartford has taken a hit here. perception and image are important even if they differ from reality. while looking to the future is critical, the past is still warm.
the guilty verdict has given an objective view to the current (soon to be former) administration. while the mayor certainly is a good person and has helped Hartford more than most, his downfall is his own. as he goes out, i hope he sets an example by understanding that. he can still be part of hartford’s future if he wishes.
still the past is warm. the taxpayers should have access to information regarding how their government has acted.
Kerri Provost
I don’t disagree. Information is good. Sensationalism is the problem here.
There have been too many people thrilled, gleeful about the verdict, as if they had something personal at stake. I’m finding that most of those who are joyful about the verdict are not even city taxpayers.
lobonick
certainly the hartford haters outside of hartford are gleeful. but they miss the big picture as related to hartford’s importance to the region. while they stomp on mr. perez’s as he goes out, they still come to hartford for the theather, the Wadsworth, and the Convention Center. meanwhile mr. perez is one of the primary people responsible for the convention center.
this story was a while in the making. the verdict was almost anti-climatic. i am anxious to see how hartford reacts now that it is “free” from this situation. hopefully this time will be used for real progress. political manuevering is almost welcome as it will allow for a sounding out of the issues facing hartford and the region specifically employment issues.