Society certainly does not have an obligation to judge leaders by process of a criminal trial. Nor a civil case.To do that would be dangerous insanity.

As Mayor you need to answer to the press. This is not a private matter, the public needs confidence that inquiry can be made and WE can gauge your honesty in the matter. 

Staging a paid advocate to shield you from questions and utilizing the editorial section in a booster publication to push your story is inadequate.

The city council, afraid of the consequences if you are truly innocent, has passed the buck to a civil case that is tangential to the court of public opinion. We need to have confidence in your character. Because of the city council's cowardice the press needs access to question the veracity of your story. Grant the press access or resign.