On Tuesday, May 15 Dominic Caserta resigned from the Santa Clara City Council and will no longer campaign for the County Board of Supervisors District 4 seat.
Over the past couple of weeks Caserta has been embroiled in controversy as sexual misconduct allegations came forward—including accusations from Santa Clara High School students from over a decade ago.
“The hallmark of a successful elected official is to effectively and passionately serve his or her constituents. I can no longer do that at this time,” said Caserta in a press release. “As a result, I have decided to resign my seat on the Santa Clara City Council, something that is against every instinct in my body. In addition, as a former front runner for the Board of Supervisors, I can no longer effectively communicate the issues that I am campaigning on… Thus, I am suspending my campaign for Supervisor and will no longer actively campaign.”
In a press release, Caserta blamed the Santa Clara Unified School District for “illegally” releasing his personnel file and the media for his fall.
“The allegations against me are false in every sense of the word, yet I have been tried and convicted in the court of public opinion without due process or recognition of my distinguished service to the school or the city. Reading the papers, online reports, and watching the news is too much for my family and me to bear. The past week has been unbelievably excruciating.”
The Santa Clara City Council was due to discuss the allegations against Caserta and consider asking for his resignation at tonight’s (May 15) Council Meeting.
Additionally, Caserta’s resignation leaves an empty seat on the Council that will be filled via appointment in the coming weeks.
*Update: The City called for a press conference at 11:30 a.m. on May 15.
