Arlington Councilman Mel LeBlanc will resign Tuesday following revelations that he obtained drugs and marijuana through prostitutes he contacted using online escort services.
In an email sent to council members at noon Friday, LeBlanc apologized for any problems he may have caused the city and told council members that he is withdrawing from the May 12 election.Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck said it was a good decision."I think it is the best thing he can do for his wife, himself, and the city," Cluck said. "He did a good job. I don't think he can get over this barrier and be as effective as he once was.""I thought it was a good choice for him to get that over with. There is anger building up (that) he would not be able to diffuse that easily. For his own good, he made the right choice," Cluck said.LeBlanc has represented District 1, which includes north Arlington, on the City Council since 2006 and was seeking his fourth term.His email reads:"Dear Colleagues:I hereby submit my resignation from City Council, effective Tuesday, 2/14/12. I will not be running for re-election. I regret and apologize for any pain I have caused our organization."In the spring, LeBlanc missed several City Council meetings before revealing that he was getting treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.At the time, he said he had been sober for more than 20 years and had just recently relapsed.But documents obtained by the Star-Telegram this week say that LeBlanc used methamphetamines and other drugs between 2008 and April 2011.His drug use came to light after police seized about a gram of methamphetamine and a glass pipe at his home in July. LeBlanc's wife had called 911 to report that her husband had relapsed.LeBlanc was investigated but not indicted in connection with the seized drugs, which his wife turned over to officers.They were not found in his possession.Mike Becknal, a financial systems analyst for the JPS Health Network, filed for the District 1 seat Wednesday.Susan Schrock, 817-709-7578Audio: Excerpts from the 911 call by Mel LeBlanc's wife
Read the police reports on the LeBlanc dispute
Arlington councilman resigns amid scandal over drugs, prostitutes
Arlington council member LeBlanc should step down
Analyst files to run against LeBlanc for Arlington council seat
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