San Diego Mayor Bob Filner Called to Resign Amid a Flurry of Sexual Harassment Accusations
Posted on August 22, 2013 Written By: iadminlaw
Sign of the times in San Diego (Photo credit: San Diego Shooter)
San Diego mayor and former Congressman, Bob Filner, has been in mediation talks in the aftermath of intensive two-week behavioral therapy amid allegations from multiple women that he has sexually harassed them.
An agreement has been reached with Filner, but no details will be released until they are presented to the City Council in a private meeting on Friday at 1 p.m.
To date, 18 women have come forward, alleging that Filner acted inappropriately toward them. Descriptions of his inappropriate behavior range from one woman claiming that the mayor gave her “tush a pat,” to another woman’s contention that he “put me in what I guess now is the famous headlock.”
Multiple efforts have been made recently to force the mayor out of office, but he is staunchly refusing to resign.
He did acknowledge last month that he “failed to fully respect the women who work for me and with me,” and said that he was “embarrassed” by his actions. However, he also stated that he will be vindicated by a “full presentation of the facts” and that he would not step down.
It is possible that he is considering resignation anyway. KGTV cited anonymous sources in a report that the mediation was “designed to include a review of a potential resignation.”
During Filner’s time away from his office, the city chief of staff changed the locks, but the city attorney’s office has said it was a move to preserve evidence, not keep him out.
Filner’s bevy of accusers includes a singer from a campaign fundraiser and his former communications director, who has said she believes he should step down.
Volunteers have been canvassing San Diego for signatures for a recall. They need more than 101,000 signatures by September 26.
Filner’s resignation has been called for by all nine City Council members, and from fellow Democrats, including California’s two U.S. senators.
Some labor unions and Latinos support Filner, saying that he is not being allowed due process, and that his political opponents are orchestrating the recall campaign.
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