San Diego Mayor Awaits Council’s Decision on Exit Deal
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Scott J. Ferrell/Congressional Quarterly/Getty Images(SAN DIEGO) — The San Diego City Council is mulling a deal that could clear the way for the city’s embattled mayor to step down as early as Friday and end weeks of sexual harassment allegations.
The council will hold a public hearing on Mayor Bob Filner before moving into a closed door session to decide whether to accept Filner’s resignation in a deal that could cost San Diego tax payers.
If Filner quits, City Council President Todd Gloria will temporarily replace him and a special election would be held within 90 days, according to the city charter.
Friday’s vote comes after a series of allegations in which 18 women came forward claiming that Filner, 70, had sexually harassed them over the course of his career as a politician.
Filner’s attorney James Payne issued a statement Thursday saying Filner returned to work at City Hall on Wednesday and that “Mayor Filner and representatives of the city of San Diego reached a tentative agreement.”
“Due to the confidential nature of mediation and settlement discussions, we are unable to comment or make statements about any of the terms,” the statement read.
Filner is the first Democratic mayor elected in San Diego since 1992. He began his tenure last December.
A recall effort also began on Aug. 18 to garner enough verified signatures for an election to remove him.
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