By SANDY McGEE

CUMBERLAND — Embattled Town Councilman Antonio Albuquerque announced his resignation Wednesday, only a week after being arrested for domestic simple assault.

“I am stepping down,” Albuquerque said. “I have to get my own personal life in order. I have made some mistakes that makes my effectiveness not in the best interest of the people. I believe it is best to step aside for now.”
Albuquerque, 57, of 46 Howe St., who represents District 1, Valley Falls, was arrested Oct. 21 on charges that he physically assaulted a female in Central Falls. Police said the victim was Albuquerque's “significant other.”
The Valley Falls councilor pleaded “no contest” to the charge at his arraignment on Oct. 21 and received a one-year suspended sentence.
He was ordered by the judge to pay court costs and attend one year of domestic violence counseling.
“Right now, all I want to do is get my own house in order,” Albuquerque said. “From day one on the council, I believed you had to act in the best interest of the group. That can't happen under these circumstances.
“Right now, with the financial problems the town has, they don't need another distraction.”
As a member of the Town Council, Albuquerque served as the town's public safety liaison and as a member of the Board of License Commissioners. His term was set to expire in November 2010.
“I believe Albuquerque has made the right decision and that he can now take the time to focus on personal issues that are very serious,” said Mayor Daniel J. McKee.
 “I support his decision and I thank him for his time on the council.”
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“Based on the circumstances, I think Councilor Albuquerque is making the right decision that is in the best interest for himself, the town and the Town Council,” said Council President James T. Higgins. “I support his decision.”
Albuquerque said that it was his decision to step down, and not a request from any other member of the council.
“I have worked with the council for five years,” he said. “We have a good relationship. I don't want this to ruin that relationship.”
The now six-member Town Council will operate with a vacancy for the time being.
As a required by the town charter, if a vacancy occurs, a special election shall take place within 60 days of the resignation.
Albuquerque, who also owns the Third Base Sports Bar on High Street, has been entangled with other legal problems this month.
Two weeks prior to his arrest, Albuquerque received a $250 fine and a three-day license suspension for serving liquor after the legally permitted hour, 1 a.m.
Cumberland police had filed a complaint with the town's Board of License Commissioners after officers found two patrons inside the High Street bar after hours on Aug. 1.
In May 2007, the bar's owner was cited for allowing an employee to sell alcohol to a minor. The person selling the liquor at the time was a bartender and not Albuquerque.
In November 2008, State Police said they were investigating a complaint filed against the Valley Falls councilor. No charges were ever brought forth.
Albuquerque is also a former member of the town's Planning Board and former president of the Lusitania Club.
He has served as a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club of Cumberland-Lincoln and the Northern Rhode Island Community Mental Health Center. He has lived in town for more than 40 years.