Mayor Recall

The process to recall embroiled San Diego Mayor Bob Filner has begun. Sunday, the first of 101,000 signatures needed to secure the recall of Mr Filner was taken. The recall committee has 39 days to obtain all signatures from registered voters. One additional extension of 30 days is automatically granted under city law, should the committee need more time.

Mayor Filner is accused of sexually harassing several female employees, including his former director of communications, both physically and verbally. I wrote on this subject on August 2 called Sexual Abuse of Power, when I reviewed his behavior, along with NYC mayoral hopeful, Anthony Weiner, and two teachers.

Mayor Filner's supporters feel he is being denied due process and is getting railroaded by his opponents because they don't like his political agenda.

As an outside observer, I feel it is incumbent upon Mayor Filner to step aside, so that city government can get back to governing and stop the distractions which are hurting the people of the city of San Diego. Between his claim that the city should pay for his therapy and the stalled government due to his absence, the people deserve better than what they are getting.

If the Mayor is vindicated after the investigation, he will be owed a huge apology by all those who have accused him of such reprehensible behavior. But in the meantime, he needs to put the interests of the people ahead of his own interests and ego.

It really is the right thing to do.