Lawrence Mayor William Lantigua resigns as State Rep.

BOSTON (FOX25, myfoxboston) - Embattled Lawrence Mayor William Lantigua announced Friday he was resigning his seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, saying it had become clear that he could no longer serve in the two posts. 

Speaking at a news conference in the Lawrence City Council chambers, Lantigua said he came to his decision after consulting family, friends and Lawrence residents.

"Today, I submit my resignation as state representative so I may continue to serve the people of Lawrence to the best of my ability," he said. "At this time, 'my best' means advocating from Lawrence for Lawrence, as mayor of Lawrence."

As he spoke, supporters cheered and yelled, "We're proud of you!"

The announcement came amid pressure to step down from one of the seats from Gov. Deval Patrick, state lawmakers and a Latino political group that helped elected him to both positions. They questioned whether he could serve in both posts while also trying to secure a $35 million loan through legislation to help Lawrence balance its 2010 and 2011 budgets.

The bill also would require a state-appointed overseer to monitor the city's finances and recommend whether the state should appoint a finance control board with more extensive powers over the budget.

During a hearing on the proposal this week, lawmakers signaled that they would demand more stringent oversight - or wouldn't support the bill at all - unless Lantigua stepped aside from one of his elected positions. The Lawrence Democrat also became a lightning rod for critics who said he shouldn't be collecting two public salaries and, instead, should devote himself full time to his job as mayor.

Lantigua was making around $100,000 a year as mayor and $70,000 as a state lawmaker.

Lantigua repeated as late as Thursday that he had no intention of stepping down from either seat, arguing that many state lawmakers hold second jobs.

When asked Friday whether he thought criticism against him stemmed from the fact that he was Latino, supporters yelled "Yes!"

The mayor said, "Do you still want me to answer? Because I hear a lot of answers."

Winning office in November as the state's first popularly elected Latino mayor, Lantigua took over with fanfare and positive international press in this majority-Latino city of 71,000. However, during his first 40 days in office he faced a backlash after laying off longtime city workers, some of whom did not support him for mayor.

A spokesman for House Speaker Robert DeLeo issued a statement accepting the resignation.

"Speaker DeLeo respects the decision Mayor Lantigua has made for himself and for his constituents," said DeLeo aide Seth Gitell. "He thanks him for his service to the House of Representatives and advocacy on behalf of the people of Lawrence."

Patrick also praised the decision. "This is about ensuring that the people of Lawrence have a chance to turn their city around," the governor said in a written statement.

Even as he was making his announcement, Lantigua remained defiant and said he believed he could have done both jobs effectively. He also said he believed voters would elect him to "four, five, six, seven" positions at the same time if they could.

Lantigua added no deal was reached with any lawmaker to come to his decision. He also said he considered stepping down as mayor and keeping his Statehouse seat.

Asked whether money played a role in trying to keep both seats, Lantigua said no.

"I was born poor, and I'm still poor," said Lantigua. "But I'm rich because I have the respect and love of my people."

Gov. Deval Patrick released the following statement:
“I appreciate Mayor Lantigua’s decision to focus all his energies on City Hall and on getting Lawrence back on its feet. He and the new City Council have inherited a dire budget situation and I am committed to working with them so that Lawrence has the tools necessary to get its fiscal house in order. This is about ensuring that the people of Lawrence have a chance to turn their city around so that vital local services are not decimated and future economic growth is possible. We now look to the Legislature to swiftly pass the pending legislation so that Lawrence can start moving forward.”

House Speaker Robert DeLeo released the following:
"Speaker DeLeo respects the decision Mayor Lantigua has made for himself and for his constituents. He thanks him for his service to the House of Representatives and advocacy on behalf of the people of Lawrence. He looks forward to working with him in the future."