Calexico mayor calls for councilman facing federal bribery charges to resign

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)- Calexico Mayor Bill Hodge is calling for Councilmember David Romero to resign.

[RELATED STORY: Calexico City Councilman facing federal bribery charges]

According to reports, Romero and city official Soto accepted $35,000 in cash bribes from an undercover FBI agent who they believed represented investors seeking to open a cannabis dispensary in Calexico.

“I strongly feel that David Romero should step down and resign for the good of the city and for his own good,” said Calexico Mayor Bill Hodge.

A member of the community started a petition calling for David Romero to resign.

it currently has more than 300 signatures.

“I need to think of the citizens and the feedback that we have gotten is they feel it's best that he steps down. He’s lost the support of the community as a whole,” said Hodge.

The council in the city having been plagued with issues for years.

Including a separate FBI investigation alleging corruption within the city's police department.

Earlier this year councilwoman Rosie Fernandez was arrested for a DUI and the community also called for her resignation however she continued to serve.

Mayor Hodge says comparing both cases is comparing apples to oranges.

“I did condemn and read out a statement condemning her behavior but you must understand that the city council cannot force these individuals to resign unless they have a felony and David Romero still needs to go in front of a court he has not been convicted yet and so we don’t know the outcome of this but my point being its yes he’s innocent until proven guilty but the allegations themselves are disturbing.”

Mayor Hodge says Calexico needs to move forward by all means.

We reached out to Councilman Romero for a comment but he has not responded.