Berg Arrested, Resigns From Binghamton City Council

Binghamton City Councilman William Berg has been charged with second-degree obstructing governmental administration, a misdemeanor.

According to the Broome County District Attorney's office, the 69-year-old Berg has resigned from his Seventh District council seat.

A statement released by District Attorney Stephen Cornwell said Berg was accused of attempting to solicit campaign funds in exchange for his vote on City Council.

Berg was arraigned Friday (April 1) afternoon in Binghamton City Court. He handed a letter of resignation to Cornwell.

In January, the Press & Sun-Bulletin reported Berg left a voice mail message with a contractor before council vote on a controversial Project Labor Agreement for work on the sewage treatment plant.

In the brief recorded message, Berg identified himself and made reference to an offer by the contractor to provide campaign "help." The then-council president said: "I want to support you a hundred percent. So, if you help on my campaign, that'd be great."

Berg told WNBF News he had "done nothing wrong" and he had no intention of stepping aside, as had been suggested by Mayor Richard David.

Berg said at the time "people are reading into the words I used in the message." He also said "there was no intent- zero - of any wrongdoing whatsoever."

In a news release, Cornwell said he agreed to accept Berg's resignation to settle the criminal case.

Berg could not be reached for comment following his resignation.

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