Ottawa mayor charged

OTTAWA, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien has been charged in an investigation into allegations he offered a rival incentives to drop out of the city's 2006 mayor's race.

Former mayoral candidate Terry Kilrea has accused O'Brien of offering him cash and help in obtaining a federal government appointment to the National Parole Board if he withdrew from the race, The Ottawa Citizen reported

On Monday, O'Brien began a city budget meeting by saying he was embarrassed to have been charged but relieved the matter was finally going to be settled by a judge.

"I believe with every fiber of my being that I am innocent," O'Brien said.

The case moves to the courts after a nine-month investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police. O'Brien's first court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 9, CBC News reported Monday.

City Councilor Alex Cullen was quoted by CBC News as saying that some of the mayor;s responsibilities might need to be delegated to members of the council.

"It would be wise to ensure that there is an arrangement with city council so that the city's business can get done and he can devote what he needs to devote to his defense. And that means a change in the status quo," Cullen said.