P.G. Sittenfeld. Photo by WCPO
By: Zach McAuliffe
CINCINNATI — Embattled Cincinnati City Council member P.G. Sittenfeld announced Thursday that he would no longer be running for the office of mayor of Cincinnati.
“It is with a very heavy heart that, due to the current situation, I’ve made the decision not to run for mayor after all,” Sittenfeld wrote online.
The “current situation” is Sittenfeld’s arrest and indictment by a federal grand jury on charges of honest services wire fraud, bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and attempted extortion under color of official right.
Sittenfeld then wrote, “I am completely innocent and am working daily to achieve justice and ensure that the facts are known…”
Sittenfeld announced his run for mayor last July before he was charged in federal court.
WCPO reached out to Sittenfeld for comment.
The following statement is from P.G. Sittenfeld’s Facebook page:
Dear Family and Friends,
Last summer, with my wife Sarah and our son George by my side, I announced that I was running for mayor of Cincinnati. I love this city. I love public service. I was excited to try to do my part to celebrate what is already great about Cincinnati and to help make us better where we’re falling short.
It is with a very heavy heart that, due to the current situation, I’ve made the decision not to run for mayor after all. I am completely innocent and am working daily to achieve justice and ensure that the facts are known – but a mayoral effort right now would distract voters from the important issues confronting our city and create even more stress for my family. I love both our city and my family too much to put you and them through that.
I will remain steadfast, and my dedication to service and to our city will continue. I want to – once again – express my deep gratitude, during a very difficult time, for your incredible support and kindness.
With Love,
P.G.
Reposted with permission from WCPO 9 Cincinnati.
Original Link: https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/hamilton-county/cincinnati/sittenfeld-no-longer-running-for-mayor-of-cincinnati
