HARTFORD — The capital city’s first strong mayor in decades resigned today.

At 3:07 p.m., a Eddie Perez submitted  a letter to the Town and City Clerk stating that he is resigning today as mayor of.  The resignation was effective today at 5:00 p.m., according to Sarah Barr, the mayor’s office official spokeswoman.

Perez resignation comes one week after a jury found him guilty for five felony charges: bribe receiving, attempted first-degree larceny by extortion, accessory to evidence tampering and two conspiracy counts. He was acquitted of tampering with evidence.

HARTFORD — Mayor Eddie Perez said he plans to resign on June 25 to pave way for City Council President Pedro Segarra to take the helm of the city and restore normalcy.

In a statement sent you minutes ago, Perez states the following:

After lengthy and heartfelt discussions with my family and Council President Pedro Segarra, I will submit my letter of resignation as Mayor on Friday, June 25, 2010.  The effective date will be worked out with Council leadership in order to allow for a smooth transition. 

I want to thank the employees of the City for their hard work and dedication in serving the residents of Hartford by always putting them first.  I’m especially proud of our achievements together improving our schools, reducing crime, and maintaining financial stability during a worldwide economic crisis.

It is time to move the City forward.  I am truly sorry for the mistakes I have made that have harmed the City that I love.

HARTFORD — In an email sent out at 4: 36 p.m. during a press conference by city council members, Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez announced plans to resign.

“I’ve decided that it is not  in the best interest of the city and my family for me to continue my duties as Mayor during the appeal of my case,” Perez said in the email.

Perez went on to say that today’s verdict was “a tremendous disappointment to me and my family. Anyone who has followed my forty-year career of public service knows that I have never placed a personal financial gain before the needs of the city.”

Coucilmembers, caught off guard by the annoucement sent out by the Perez’s spokeswoman Sarah Barr, are now crafting a reaction to the resignation.

Councilmembers only three minutes before the email had read a statement announcing plans to act next week, if the mayor refused to resign.

After a phone conversation with the mayor at about 5 p.m., Councilmember Pedro Segarra emerged from his office.

“We’re going to work hard to ensure the city moves forward,” Segarra said.

He also remarked on the mayor’s reaction to his verdict: ” I think the mayor is very distraught. I don’t think he was expecting this verdict. He’s somewhat caught off the guard. I think the mayor wants to take this time to comfort his family.”

Segarra said the city will now work on transition and will likely act on Monday.