Chris Constantin, a performance auditor for the City of San Jose and local political figure, announced today that he is leaving the area. In a letter to colleagues, he said he is taking a job as Deputy City Auditor in San Diego.

Constantin made news last year when he was appointed by the City Council to serve as the Independent Police Auditor. He resigned the post a week later, after it was revealed that his brother is an SJPD officer.

Constantin also served as president of the board of trustees at West Valley-Mission Community College District. When he was elected to that board in 1996 at the age of 20, he became the youngest elected official in Santa Clara County.

In 2000, he ran in the Republican primary for a seat in the state senate which was then held by Sen. Byron Sher. He was defeated in the primary by Gloria Hom, who was in turn defeated by Sher.

His goodbye letter is here:

Well the day is coming to a close and my journey with San José is ending. After several weeks of relaxation, I move on to San Diego to assume the Deputy City Auditor position in the newly formed City Auditor’s Office.

The challenge of growing the office and tackling San Diego’s significant fiscal and organizational challenges is a great motivator and too good of an opportunity to pass. I have been fortunate to work with some of the brightest, hardworking, and thoughtful public employees.

With the difficult road ahead, it is clear that San José City employees still work their hardest to provide the finest service to San José residents. It is this commitment even in the fact of difficulty which separates good from great employees and a big reason why my heart will always remain here in San José.

I pray fortunes bring my back to San José, but until then, feel free to stay in touch and visit if you are in the area.

Thank you once again for nine years of wonder service and friendship,
Chris Constantin