San Diego

Paul Grasso, administrative assistant to former Councilman Uvaldo Martinez who tried and failed to succeed his old boss, announced Tuesday he will leave his city post March 15.

Grasso lost out to Celia Ballesteros in his bid to be appointed to serve the remaining year in Martinez’s council term. Martinez resigned last year after pleading guilty to misusing public funds.

After the appointment process, Grasso stayed on as Ballesteros’ administrative assistant until Tuesday.

“The last 18 months, working under the uncertainties of the 8th District, has taken its toll a little bit, and I would like to transition to something a little bit more stable,” said Grasso, who earns $48,000 a year--$8,000 more than a City Council member.

Grasso, 39, said his decision to leave has nothing to do with his unsuccessful bid to succeed Martinez and is not due to any friction with Ballesteros. He said he has no other job lined up.