PORT MOODY, B.C. – The mayor of Port Moody's decision to step away from his duties for the second time in seven months has at least one other municipal politician calling on the province to fast track legislation on how to deal with any elected official under a cloud of suspicion.

City Coun. Diana Dilworth, who spearheaded a motion last week calling on Rob Vagramov to return to a leave of absence until sexual assault charges him are resolved, said she wants to resend a message to Victoria that having a mechanism to deal with criminally charged or convicted elected officials should be a priority. https://bc.ctvnews.ca/port-moody-council-votes-in-favour-of-asking-mayor-to-return-to-leave-of-absence-1.4630662

"This is not just a Port Moody issue," Dilworth said.

Vagramov announced Tuesday night he was stepping away from his duties for the next three to four weeks.

In a statement to CTV News Vancouver, Vagramov said he does not have to take the leave of absence but has chosen to do so of his own accord.

"There is no legal requirement for me to be away from my elected role, but today I am exercising my discretion to go back on leave without pay until I am cleared of the charges held against me," the statement said.

He went on to write, "We need to turn down the dramatics, and focus on the work at hand."

"We would not be having all of this drama if the mayor had not been charged with a criminal act," Dilworth said.

Vagramov went on voluntary leave in March, a day after he was charged. https://bc.ctvnews.ca/port-moody-mayor-announces-leave-of-absence-after-sexual-assault-charge-1.4356008

He then returned to work unexpectedly in September and at the time, alluded to a potential deal with Crown that "would not involve a trial at all." https://bc.ctvnews.ca/port-moody-mayor-returns-to-work-5-months-after-sex-assault-charge-1.4585052

The BC Prosecution Service told CTV News that Vagramov's case had been adjourned while the mayor met with a probation officer who would prepare a report.

"The prosecution will be concluded if Mr. Vagramov is approved for alternative measures and completes an approved resolution agreement," spokesperson Dan McLaughlin wrote.

"Quite tragically, it is a bit of a soap opera," Dilworth said, adding that she's curious to know what the court will decide on Vagramov's next appearance Nov. 13, and whether the charge will be stayed, or Vagramov may accept some responsibility.

In 2017, Pitt Meadows Coun. David Murray resigned his seat after he was convicted of sexual assault.

But in 2007, embattled Port Coquitlam Mayor Scott Young stayed on and served out the rest of his term after pleading guilty to assault.

In a statement, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing told CTV News that "stepping aside was the right thing (for Vagramov) to do for his community."

The ministry went on to write that its staff has been looking at how to support local governments when an elected official has been charged or convicted of serious offence.

"If it is determined that legislative changes are needed, we will work in consultation with local governments," they wrote, without giving a specific timeline.

"I can acknowledge that bureaucracy works slow," Dilworth said. "I would just hope that the minister and the existing government would really look at what the priorities are."

Court documents show the sexual assault charge against Vagramov dates back to 2015. He has maintained his innocence. The charge has not been proven in court.