Last week, City News reported that Jeff Wieler relinquished his largely ceremonial title as Mayor of Piedmont, but that he intended to stay on the council until the end of his term in 2018. Wieler has since changed his mind. On Sunday, he stepped down from the dais entirely, saying a recent series of controversial Facebook comments had become a “distraction” for the city.
Wieler said he made the decision “with great sadness.” However, "the City Council and staff have important issues to deal with, from cell towers to labor negotiations to garbage service. It would be unfair to the city and a personal betrayal of my principles and past efforts if I allowed this circus to continue distracting residents, the council, and city staff. I also don't need any more obscene hate mail or veiled threats of violence."
Wieler again apologized for the statements he made on Facebook, in which he described transgender people as mentally ill, called liberals “un-American” and said that Black Lives Matter encourages cop killing.
"I apologize for helping create this situation. Continuing to fight the situation might make me feel better, but will not help our community."
Read more about Wieler's difficult decision here.