| Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson announced his resignation on Monday amid the growing housing crisis, a criminal investigation, and intense Democratic criticisms. The Bush administration's top housing official says he will quit his post as of April 18 to "attend more diligently to personal and family matters." 
Jackson's resignation comes at a time of crisis and economic turmoil as the housing industry and credit market threaten to bring the country into recession. However, Jackson says he will stay on for three more weeks to ensure a smooth transition of HUD leadership. Sixty-two year old Jackson has been fighting off allegations and criminal investigations of corrupt HUD contracts over the past two years. Most notably, Jackson's department is accused of paying a "close friend" $392,000 for construction contracts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Jackson is also under investigation by the Philadelphia Housing Authority for allegedly refusing to fund a contractor who professed his distain for the Bush administration by donating to Democrat candidates. The White House and HUD have declined to make a statement about a replacement; however Deputy Secretary Roy Bernardi and FHA Commissioner Brian Montgomery will likely be candidates. (Written by: K. Skowronski)
HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson's resignation letter dated Monday: Dear President Bush It has been the highest honor of my lifetime to serve our nation as a member of your Cabinet, as secretary of Housing and Urban Development. There is no greater privilege that could have been accorded me and for that I thank you, Mr. President. I am eternally grateful that you reposed the confidence in me to serve our country in this capacity and for the special friendship we share. I hereby submit my resignation as secretary of Housing and Urban Development, effective close of business, April 18, 2008. I will fully assist in the orderly transition of the leadership at HUD for whose employees I have the greatest affection and respect. There are times when one must attend more diligently to personal and family matters. Now is such a time for me. Marcia and I thank you and the first lady for the many acts of kindness we have received from you the last seven years and we wish you and your family well. With respect and great esteem, Alphonso R. Jackson
Article Sources Jackson's Resignation Letter, The Associated Press Jackson Quits HUD Amid Controversy, The Real Estate Journal HUD chief Alphonso Jackson quits, New York Daily News
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