Local Leaders Say Sen. Calderon Must Resign

A group of 15 elected officials gathered in Bell Gardens Wednesday to call for the resignation of State Senator Ron Calderon, who faces allegations of bribery and is under investigation by the FBI.

"You need to resign," said Bell Gardens Mayor Daniel Crespo. "We've worked very hard to fix the corruption that exists in these cities, and [that] you are continuing to remain in office is a shame to all the cities you represent."

Calderon's alleged involvement in a bribery scandal was revealed in a report by Al Jazeera America. Calderon is said to have accepted nearly $90,000 in bribes from an undercover FBI agent in order to influence legislation.

Among those calling for Calderon's resignation were Norwalk Mayor Luigi Vernola, Downey Mayor Mario Guerra and State Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia.

The public protest of Calderon comes one day after the Senate Rules Committee stripped away his committee assignments, which include a chairman position on a insurance committee.

Calderon, D-Montebello, represents a district that includes Bell Gardens. The lawmaker has not been formally charged and he has denied wrongdoing. 

In a statement released to ATVN, Calderon said, "What has happened to me could happen to anyone in public office. Sometimes one is better served to act in kindness than in self-righteousness, because all politicians live in glass houses."