MONROE – City Councilman Ken Berger resigned, just days before political foes had planned to start collecting signatures in an effort to recall him.
Berger announced his departure at the City Council meeting Tuesday night.
“I thought that would bring a lot of discord to the community,” Berger said Wednesday, adding that putting the recall petition on the ballot would’ve cost the city about $15,000.
Former City Councilman Jim Hunnicutt and Meredith Mechling, who is married to former City Councilman Marc Mechling, had led the recall effort, saying that Berger should step down for violating state campaign finance rules.
“We felt it was a good thing Mr. Berger resigned. But it’s sad he hasn’t taken responsibility for his actions,” Meredith Mechling said Wednesday. “He’s never admitted wrongdoing; he’s never apologized.”
In October, Berger agreed to pay the state $20,000 to settle allegations that he concealed his identity as a contributor in city elections.
The allegations surfaced when former City Councilman Mike Donow told state regulators that he contributed $1,500 to the campaign of Bob Holman in 2001 and $150 each to the campaigns of Tom Layson and Chad Minnick in 2003. Holman lost to Hunnicutt in 2001.
Donow told state officials that the money was from Berger in each instance. Under state law, the true source of a campaign donation must be disclosed.
Berger said he didn’t want the recall effort to distract city officials from other important issues in the city.
“It’s more of a political turf war than city politics,” said Berger, who served on the City Council for 161/2 years.
Before serving on the council, Berger also served as a planning commissioner for the city for three and a half years. Berger, an attorney, said that leaving the council would give him more time to spend with his family.
“I am viewing my political opponents’ efforts to remove me more as an opportunity than a problem,” he wrote in his resignation letter to the city. “I plan on doing some fun things at home with my family on Tuesday nights for a change.”
Berger made the right decision for the people in Monroe, Mayor Donnetta Walser said.
“I think it was a good thing for the city,” she said. “This cost us a lot of turmoil. I think we need to move on.”
Berger’s departure didn’t surprise City Councilman Mitch Ruth. He said he wants people to remember that Berger has done many good things for the city.
“All I can say is I appreciate many years of service Ken has spent in the community,” Ruth said.
The council has 90 days to appoint a replacement for Berger, Walser said. The new interim City Council member, if appointed by the city before June, will be up for election in November.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
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