After 6 years as Fresno's City Attorney, James Sanchez is resigning and it's coming at a time when the city is at a crossroads.
"Leaving Fresno, I feel like I've given everything I can. Fresno will see some bright furture," City Attorney James Sanchez said.
It's no secret that Fresno is in the middle of a financial crisis.
Some wonder why Sanchez is leaving in the midst of all the budget concerns.
He says the opportunity to become City Attorney in Sacramento was something he just coulnd't turn away.
"These kinds of opportunities do provide some attraction. Bigger stage, it's the State Capitol," Sanchez said.
What does that mean for Fresno? City Council President Clint Olivier says being without a City Attorney is going to be tough on the the council, especially as they head into a privatization debate.
" It's a big impact for the city council and on tax payers," said Clinton Olivier, Council President.
" We need someone who has been through this before and understands the process," said Olivier.
As far as the high profile cases Sanchez has been handling, the responsibilty continues.
" Making sure council, mayor, manager are all in one step with these cases, but the everyday people who handle case will continue to do so," Sanchez said.
Sanchez's last day is November 26th.
The process of replacing him begins in a couple weeks, and Olivier says he wants to make sure tax payers' get their moneys worth.
"We have to pay City Attorney enough to bring in good talent and bring in someone who's qualified and ready to go," Olivier said.
Olivier says the council will do its best to hire someone qualified, and says the prospect of bankruptcy isnt being discussed.
" We have to provide a high level of service, as high as we can, but bankruptcy is not on the table."