DeLong quits council race

Gregg DeLong, who was convicted of extorting kickbacks while working for a Costa Mesa lender, announced today that he has decided not to run for City Council in Huntington Beach.

DeLong, who runs a marketing company and worked in the mortgage industry for two decades, said he withdrew his candidacy because other responsibilities demanded his attention.

“I’ve enjoyed being on the campaign trail and having the opportunity to meet and get to know many wonderful residents in our city,” DeLong said. “Based on my conversations with many Huntington Beach citizens, clearly there is a need for improved financial management and transparency in our city’s government.

“However, at this point, I don’t believe I can devote the appropriate amount of time to a City Council position that the residents deserve. My growing business and school-age daughter require my full attention.

“I look forward to a City Council campaign in 2012, and at that time, will continue my pursuit of improving government in our city. Huntington Beach residents deserve it.”

DeLong’s announcement came hours before the final deadline for candidates to submit their paperwork to run for office.

Records also showed that DeLong had spent two months in federal prison in 2001 after being convicted in an extortion scandal. DeLong was found guilty of extorting kick-backs from a Pittsburgh real estate company while working as a manager at the Costa Mesa mortgage lender Ditech.

DeLong said the disclosure of his prison record had no bearing on his decision to drop out of the race and that he looked forward to his future campaign.

“A first step in changing the direction of our city will be in this coming election,” DeLong said. “The second step will be in 2012.”