The City of Opa-locka's mayor has resigned.
Mayor Matthew Pigatt announced his resignation at a commission meeting Wednesday night.
"I will not be a figurehead for corruption," he said.
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During the commission meeting, and on statements posted on his website and social media accounts, Pigatt blasted the city government, saying he was unable to enact "real change" in a system he says is broken.
"I naively thought that a system that is broken could be fixed from within - by reformers who, if they just cared deeply enough, could root out things like cronyism, shadow deals, and government officials who turn a blind eye toward the corrupt deeds of others lest their own corruption be dragged into the light," he said.
During his resignation speech, Pigatt highlighted some of his successes during his term, like efficient and timely trash pick up, replacing water meters, and improvements to infrastructure.
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But he said corruption is so deep that he had to step back, especially for his safety and his family.
Pigatt's resignation comes weeks after the city's police chief also resigned. According to the Miami Herald, Steven Barreira was under questioning for how he handled a police captain who allegedly fired a taser at a sergeant.
Barriera was chief for six months after he replaced James Dobson, who was fired after a review of the agency found a rising crime rate, low morale and failure to follow procedures.
Vice Mayor Veronica Williams is now serving as mayor.
NBC 6 has reached out to Opa-locka's city manager, as well as other officials, for comment.
