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Perez's Statement

By Jeffrey B. Cohen

August 31, 2009

Below is a transcription of Mayor Eddie A. Perez's afternoon statement, made in a conference room at the law office of his attorney, Hubert Santos.

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"I've been informed this afternoon that a warrant has been issued for my arrest in connection with allegations involving former state Representative Abraham Giles. I intend to fight these charges and continue to serve as your mayor. I am innocent of the charges against me and I will fight for the facts to come out because the truth is on my side.

"Let me be clear: I will not resign. I will continue to serve the people of Hartford because they elected me to a job and that job is not finished. The only thing I ask the citizens of Hartford is to let me have my day in court. I want to be able to put the facts on the table and let the people know that there's more than the one-sided stories and the rumors that they have heard.

I am confident that I will be acquitted of all charges and my reputation restored. In the meanwhile, I will continue to serve the citizens of Hartford as their mayor and continue to make Hartford a better place for all of us. Thank you."