Text of Hedgecock’s Resignation Speech

I ran for office in San Diego I think eight times in the last nine years, and I did so motivated by the thought that I could help San Diego to retain and, indeed, improve its quality of life during a period of time when this city and county were growing and maturing as a major metropolitan area.

I still have this idealism--this definition of “public service” as giving something back to the community, a community where I grew up and where my family and I have really felt so much a part.

The idealism, the giving back to the community, was the reason that I ran for mayor in the first place. And it’s what has motivated my actions as mayor. And it is why I have concluded that in the best interest of the city, I should resign as mayor. The resignation, in order to leave some time to wrap up, is effective Friday, Oct. 18--a week from today.

I believe now that it is most important that San Diegans refocus their attention on the issues and the real opportunities facing our city. San Diego must move forward, developing again a consensus around a shared vision of the future. I can no longer offer leadership for this task. It’s time for the people of this city to elect someone else who can.