Assembly member resigns to avoid conflict of interest

Petersburg Borough Assembly Member John Hoag resigned his position on the assembly Monday.

Hoag, a lawyer, said he's stepping down due to a conflict of interest between one of his clients and the borough.

"I have found myself with two clients who have adverse interests to the borough," Hoag said during the start of Monday's meeting. "One issue may be resolvable through disclosure and abstaining as a voter. The other represents a potential violation of the charter, which prohibits assembly members from representing persons against the borough."

Hoag said one of his clients might have to be defended from a claim against a client by the borough.

"I believe that elected officials should try to have their conduct be beyond a claim of impropriety therefore I must resign my position with the assembly effective at once," Hoag said. "It saddens me to do so. While sometimes this job is thankless it has been rewarding."

He added that he would serve the borough in a volunteer capacity if ever called upon.

Hoag left the meeting immediately after he announced his resignation.

The assembly is now seeking letters of interest to fill Hoag's vacant seat.