Embattled Altadena Town Councilman Herbert Simmons resigned today, hours before the closed meeting that was to determine if he would be removed from his council seat.

The letter reads, in part:

I will no longer be part of an organization that does not operate as a legitimate government and that is not open, transparent, and accountable to the community.  Effective December 15, 2009, at 12:00 noon,  I resign my position as Council Member of Census Tract 4602.

Rest assured that I will remain more active than ever in keeping our Altadena community informed, and I will continue full throttle in encouraging and spotlighting the wonderful progress being made in our local public schools.

I pray that the Altadena Town Council learns from this experience, and in turn legitimizes itself and becomes truly representative government for the community.

More to come.

Pasadena Star News has a story already here.