Pasadena Senior Commissioner Resigns after Pleading No Contest to Domestic Violence Charge

Pasadena Commissioner and former Mayoral candidate Jason Hardin submitted his letter of resignation from the Senior Commission on Thursday after his arrest and sentencing in May for domestic battery led to the possibility of a City Council hearing into the matter.

Initially refusing to resign and going so far as to launch an online petition seeking community support, Hardin resigned late today after he received a deadline and some advice, he said, in a call from Mayor Terry Tornek.

Although he pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor charge, Hardin has continued to maintain his innocence. A no contest plea is legally not admission of guilt.

The Pasadena City Attorney’s office said Hardin was also charged with two additional misdemeanor charges of criminal threats and resisting arrest, but these were dropped in exchange for the plea.

Hardin had marked his first year as a Senior Commissioner last Tuesday. On his Facebook page that day, he enumerated a number of accomplishments he claimed to have achieved in that year, including being named as Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Senior Transportation, acting on many discrimination complaints at La Pintoresca Senior Apartments, and connecting seniors with vital information and services among others.

He also wrote he had no intention to resign.

“It’s sad that lies from someone sitting on social media all day can be equal to the work I put in everyday in public throughout our community,” Hardin posted. “What kind of person would want to see me lose a non-paying position where I only help people, just to hurt me? Anyways, I have no intention to resign. So, if the false charge and all the lies are enough to get rid of this commissioner, then bring on city council!”

Hardin has been sentenced to three years of probation, 10 days of county jail and 15 days of community service. He is also required to attend at least 52 domestic violence classes, three Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and has been ordered not to consume alcohol during his probation.

He is also barred from going near the victim.

Hardin’s resignation letter is included in the City Council agenda for next Monday night.