Wiener To Continue Re-Election Campaign

Michael Wiener says he isn’t going to resign or halt his re-election campaign, despite the recent controversy over photos of him in the red-light district of Angeles City in the Philippines.

He issued a lengthy statement to the Journal on Sunday, which you can find below. I’ll also have a story in tomorrow’s paper, of course.

You can find the original story (and photos) here. And here’s follow-up with lots of reaction and comment.

I’d like to thank my many constituents and supporters who have stood by me during the past few days.  As you know, there have been a number of stories and something of a lynch mob developing. In the media’s rush to judge me, sadly the truth has become first casualty.

While others may focus on salacious innuendo and speculation, I will continue my efforts to make county government less costly, more effective, more efficient and more accountable to taxpayers.  Not only will I continue to do the job I was elected to by my constituents, I will remain a candidate for County Commission in District 4.

While I may have exercised poor judgment while on vacation,  I have have broken no laws and brought no harm to anyone except for myself.  To suspend my campaign or step down from the office I was duly elected to would be tantamount to an admission that I had done something wrong when the fact is I have not.

Out of respect for my colleagues on the County Commission and to avoid further distraction I will step aside from my leadership position as Vice-Chairman.

I deeply appreciate the supportive phone calls and e-mails I have received over the past several days from people who know me and live in my district. Without exception, all of the constituents I have spoken with have told me the exact same thing; that I’ve done a good job and that I shouldn’t give up.

The taxpayers and constituents of District 4 know how hard I’ve worked for them and the successes we’ve had getting great things accomplished for our community. What they think is what matters to me and that’s why I will continue
to do the job I was elected to do.

Michael C. Wiener
Commissioner District 4