Secaucus mayor quits

Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell became the first of three mayors arrested last week on bribery charges to resign. Like his counterparts Anthony Suarez of Ridgefield and Peter Cammarano of Hoboken, Elwell is accused of taking thousands in cash from Solomon Dwek, a federal defendant who agreed to pose as a corrupt developer in an FBI sting.

Dennis Elwell

Unlike Elwell, the other two mayors have insisted on remaining in office, despite insistence from the public, fellow municipal officials -- and Governor Corzine -- that they resign.

Those two insist the cloud hanging over them will not affect their abilities to conduct municipal business, a claim several have called disingenuous.

For one thing, Cammarano has already lost his transition team. Then his chief of staff resigned. There have been protests outside his house and at City Hall. Elected officials, as well, have insisted he step down.

Meanwhile, a statement released by Elwell's attorneys this afternoon said his resignation is effective immediately.

It also said: "Those who perceive this action to be an admission of culpability as to the pending criminal allegations are gravely mistaken. Dennis pleaded not guilty to the charges, is presumed innocent and will vigorously defend the unproven allegations made against him."

For more on last week's arrests, go to:

Meet the cooperator behind NJ's biggest corruption bust ever

For upstart mayor, it all began at the Malibu Diner

Roster of community leaders becomes a perp walk

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