HUNTINGTON BEACH (CNS) - Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz resigned from the City Council today citing personal conflicts, nearly seven months after topping a field of 15 candidates.
“This job isn't working for me,'' Ortiz said during the first in-person council meeting of the year.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion had drawn criticism over his refusal to wear a mask at city events and his opposition to vaccinations.
In February, Ortiz filed an unemployment claim against the city with the California Employment Development Department, although he continued to earn his stipend and expense allowance as a council member. The unemployment filing became public in April.
Ortiz has denied that his unemployment claim was improper, saying the allegations were politically motivated.
The City Council will hold a special meeting Wednesday night to choose a new mayor pro tem.
Over the next few weeks, the City Council will also begin discussing the timeline and means of appointing a new council member to fill the vacated seat.
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