By George P. Hassett

The city’s top lawyer pled guilty to drunk driving on Jan. 22 and is seeking medical help.

John Gannon the city solicitor under Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone since 2004, lost his driver’s license for one year after admitting he was driving drunk on Soldiers Field Road in Brighton on Feb. 13, 2007, according to court records.

Despite Gannon’s legal troubles Curtatone said he will remain the head of the city’s law department.

“John Gannon has been an outstanding city solicitor. He has been an honest and hardworking employee since coming to the city. He was candid and forthright about his legal situation after the incident occurred and he is now seeking the appropriate medical assistance,” Curtatone said.

In a prepared statement Gannon was contrite and hopeful to move on.

‚ÄúI recognize the serious nature of these court matters, I have resolved them, and I take full responsibility for them.  I have been candid and honest about these events with my employer, and I have sought appropriate medical help. I am happy now to be back at work, and will continue to comply with the court in all matters.‚Äù

Curtatone said Gannon’s arrest did not come while he was working and does not undermine his ability to do his job.

According to a State Police trooper, Gannon failed three sobriety tests, smelled of alcohol and had red eyes and slurred speech when he was pulled over in Brighton at 2:50 a.m. on Feb. 13.

He was charged with drunk driving and failure to drive within marked lanes.

As city solicitor Gannon has been involved in two high profile city investigations. He led the internal investigation that discredited former city employee Joe Votour’s claims of improper campaign fundraising by Curtatone and he testified against police officer Scott Trant who was fired for trying to buy a Vernon Street home at a deep discount from a woman who had gone to him for help in his role as a police officer.