Read the full text of Bencivengo's parting letter to Hamilton residents Watch video
HAMILTON — John Bencivengo made his resignation as the mayor of Hamilton Township official this morning and issued a statement following the verdict Tuesday that he sold his influence as mayor for cash bribes.
Bencivengo was convicted of five counts of bribery and extortion and faces up to 20 years at his sentencing, which is scheduled for February. He declined to comment as he left federal court in Trenton yesterday.
His resignation was announced last night at a packed Hamilton Township council meeting.
Council President Kevin Meara will serve as acting mayor for up to 30 days as the search for a new mayor begins.
Bencivengo was found guilty of extortion, attempted extortion, money laundering and two other related charges after he solicited $12,400 in bribes from an insurance broker in exchange for influencing the Hamilton school board to renew a contract.
Complete text of Bencivengo's statement:
"With a very heavy heart, effective Noon today, I will be resigning from the position of Mayor of Hamilton Township.Hamilton Township has always been a very special community. And in my heart, I know that Hamilton Township will continue to blossom and flourish as the wonderful hometown that our residents love.
As I leave office, Hamilton taxpayers should know that their municipal government remains in strong financial condition, with excellent administrative and budgetary procedures. It continues to adhere to state recommended fiscal practices that have been verified by independent audits. There are no looming or severe deficits awaiting our taxpayers. The fiscal footing of the Hamilton Township municipal government is stable for whoever the next Mayor will be.
The Hamilton Township community has and continues to have much to be proud of – rated recently as the 3rd Best Small City in New Jersey and 75th Best in the Nation by CNN/Money Magazine and featured as a great place to live, work and play by Profiles with Terry Bradshaw. Hamilton Township continues to have a vibrant local economy, great neighborhoods, excellent park and recreational facilities and government services that continue to serve and benefit our residents.
Despite the result of my personal case, Hamilton Township has a bright future ahead of it for our entire community. Despite what anyone thinks or feels about me personally, I was honored to have the opportunity to serve Hamilton’s residents. And despite whatever challenges face this community tomorrow, moving forward, Hamilton Township will remain a hometown our residents can always be proud of. "
The township Republican committee has 15 days to submit three names to the council to select from as Bencivengo's successor. The new mayor will serve until a general election on Nov. 6, 2013, when voters will decide who will serve out the remaining two years of Bencivengo's unexpired term.
Complete coverage of the Bencivengo corruption case:
• Hamilton council president Kevin Meara will step in as acting mayor after Bencivengo resigns
• Hamilton officials react to verdict of Bencivengo's trial, express anger towards cooperating witness
• Hamilton Mayor John Bencivengo resigns after being found guilty of taking $12,400 in bribes
• Hamilton Mayor John Bencivengo is guilty of taking $12,400 in bribes from insurance broker
• Hamilton Mayor John Bencivengo corruption trial: attorneys deliver closing arguments
• Hamilton Mayor John Bencivengo corruption trial: Prosecutor alleges 'government by bribe'
• Amick: 'Shocking' revelations of Hamilton Mayor John Bencivengo trial show need for reform
• Hamilton school board business administrator is placed on administrative leave
• Editorial: Hamilton school board should dig deeper on contracts after bribery admission
• Former Hamilton official pleads guilty to money laundering in Mayor John Bencivengo extortion case
• Senator wants state constitution changed so indicted office-holders are suspended