Local Reaction to Filner Harassment Allegations

Originally published 7:29 p.m. July 11. 

Following accusations of sexual harassment then admission of wrongdoing by San Diego Mayor Bob Filner Thursday, current and former Coronado officials shared their reaction to the scandal.

Supporter of efforts by women to seek public office and former Coronado City Councilwoman Carrie Downey called harassment "unacceptable in any working environment, especially politics."

Multiple women in local politics, business and education complained about verbal or physical harassment for years but claims were ignored by Democratic Party leadership, former Democratic Assemblywoman Lori Saldana told Voice of San Diego.

"Women are increasingly involved in all arenas of public life," she said. "It saddened me to hear that someone who has worked so hard to get into that position has been unable to operate as a professional in the political world and to treat men and women the same."

More information is needed, said Coronado Mayor Casey Tanaka, but if the allegations are true Filner should resign.

"I think the people who voted for him in 2012 knew that he had a confrontational style to his leadership. I had read reports of him being combative at times, but this week was the first I had heard of him being suspected of sexual harassment," Tanaka said.

Accusations have been made by people I know and trust, said Rep. Scott Peters (D-San Diego), who represents Coronado and parts of San Diego. We don't know all the facts yet but "if the allegations are true, this behavior is inexcusable, shows terrible disregard for women, the voters, and the thousands of people who worked tirelessly to support the Mayor's candidacy."

"As elected officials, we should be held to a high standard. The people we represent put their faith in us and we owe to them to live up to their expectations. I look forward to a full airing of the facts. If these accusations are proven true, Mayor Filner will face real, tough and serious consequences. I'm angry and disappointed that our city is facing this terrible situation and I'm sorry that many people have been and will be hurt."

Members of San Diego City Council also shared their reaction. Some called for Filner to resign while others said the mayor should resign if he was unable to change.

Should Mayor Bob Filner resign if he can't change? Should he resign based on what we already know? Is it too soon to say? Share in comments.