BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Bill Berg was arrested Friday, formally charged in Binghamton City Court, and resigned his seat on City Council, according to the Broome County District Attorney's Office.
Berg is charged with obstructing governmental administration. He is accused of leaving a voicemail message for a local contractor, Associated Builders and Contractors, in which Berg allegedly offers help with a project labor agreement vote in exchange for their support. The message was sent during the time where the sewage treatment plant's PLA was up for discussion.
Time Warner Cable News obtained the voice message in question, and on it, Berg is heard saying:
"Bill Berg. You said you were able to give me some help, if indeed you're pushing for a vote with the PLA Monday night, or Wednesday, and I want to support you 100 percent, so if you could help on my campaign, that would be great. Let me know what you're thinking and thank you."
When the voicemail surfaced, Berg said he did nothing wrong, but Binghamton’s mayor and other councilors had asked Berg to take a leave of absence,, calling the allegations a distraction.
The charge Berg faces is a misdemeanor.