Altadena town councilman George Lewis stepped down as chair of the governing body — at least temporarily — following tonight’s meeting at the Altadena Community Center.  Lewis was arrested Dec. 15 on suspicion of felony spousal abuse.  In a statement obtained by Altadenablog, Lewis said:

At this time an investigation is … underway regarding this personal matter.  Because it is under investigation I can not discuss nor elaborate, except to say, I am waiting for this to be resolved by the investigating authorities in a short time.

In order to avoid any potential conflict of interest, or appearance of favoritism, I have been informed that this matter has been turned over to the Internal Criminal Investigation Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and will not be handled by our local station.

I am confident that when this investigation is complete I will be cleared of this charge.  But because I do not want a personal matter to become a distraction to the Town Council or to the community, [as] of the adjournment of this meeting, I will recuse myself from duties as Town Council Chairman until this matter has been resolved.  I will continue to meet my duties as representative of census tract 4612.

Our council Vice Chair Susan Goldman will act as chair in the interim.  I’d like to thank the council and the community for their fairness in withholding judgment when they don’t have all the facts, and for their continuing support.  I have faith in the fairness of our judicial system and fully expect that justice will prevail, and my good name [be] restored.

Respectfully,
George Lewis