Bellflower : City Attorney Kelton Hands in Resignation

After a year as city attorney, Stanley M. Kelton abruptly resigned at Monday night’s City Council meeting, saying he had lost the confidence of the council majority.

Kelton has been at odds with several council members in the past year. Mayor Bob Stone, Mayor Pro Tem Ken Cleveland and Councilman Bill Pendleton have accused Kelton of taking sides in his legal rulings, especially during the card club controversy.

Kelton delivered a letter of resignation before council members went into a closed session where they planned to discuss Kelton’s job performance. It was widely believed the council majority intended to replace him in that session, said Councilwoman Ruth Gilson, a Kelton supporter. The law firm Burke, Williams and Sorensen will handle the city’s legal affairs until another city attorney can be appointed.