Bob Filner became San Diego’s 35th mayor today during a packed Balboa Park Club inauguration ceremony in which re-elected City Attorney Jan Goldsmith and members of the City Council also took the oath of office.
Promising to implement his vision of giving power back to the neighborhoods Filner said, “The major focus of my administration will be to put our neighborhoods first.”
During his 15-minute address Filner said, “I want community plans to be completed; to revitalize infrastructure; improve emergency services in areas affected by the 2003 and 2007 wildfires; and to make every neighborhood safe to live, work and play.”
Filner thanked his predecessor, Jerry Sanders, saying that Sanders’ work had given him a chance to move the city forward.
Filner previously served on the City Council and San Diego Unified School District Board of Education and was a professor at San Diego State University.
Sanders was given a rousing standing ovation as he thanked his wife, staff and members of the City Council. Sanders is set to become CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
