Reactions to the resignation of Bob Filner as mayor of San Diego:
“It certainly was never my intention to be a mayor who went out like this.”
Mayor Bob Filner
“I think we all share a sense of relief that we can begin to put this period behind us, and most importantly, fill the leadership void in the Mayor’s office. The City of San Diego needs and deserves a mayor.”
Council President Todd Gloria
“I’m relieved the City has rid itself of Bob Filner so that he will not be in a position to prey on any more women. My thoughts are with the courageous women, who because they spoke out, galvanized the residents of this great city and its elected leaders to rise up against a serial sexual harasser and a gross abuser of power. Bye bye, Bob. You will not be missed”
Former Mayor’s Communication Director Irene McCormack Jackson
“While we feel some satisfaction for the part we played in reaching this juncture, we are neither happy nor celebrating. Nobody should be. This is not the time to be trumpeting a partisan victory, or dancing on Bob Filner’s political grave. We have not “won” anything, as our entire community has suffered dearly, and in a way that transcends politics.”
Former Councilwoman Donna Frye and attorneys Marco Gonzalez and Cory Briggs
“Many of us worked tirelessly to elect Bob Filner as the first Democratic mayor of San Diego in two decades, and we are deeply disappointed in his inexcusable personal behavior that made his resignation necessary.”
San Diego Democrats for Equality
“It is time to move forward. Today, we close a painful chapter for San Diego and the paralysis that has gripped City Hall can be brought to an end. We hope that those who have been hurt by Bob Filner’s behavior will receive the respect and closure they deserve …
“We will participate fully in the public debate as the city seeks new leadership; and we will absolutely not allow right-wing radicals like Carl DeMaio and his divisive politics to take over our city when we need inclusion, unity and consensus.”
San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Richard Barrera
“Due in large part to the dedication, passion, focus and determination of well over 1,000 volunteers and almost universal support by the voters of San Diego, we believe Bob Filner felt pressure to enter into a settlement agreement with the City Council which included his resignation.
The organizers, managers, consultants and coordinators of the Campaign to Recall Bob Filner want to express our most sincere thanks for the amazing effort.”
Campaign to Recall Bob Filner
“With Bob Filner’s resignation, San Diego has been given a fresh start. Now is the time to put aside partisan differences to seek healing, foster unity and restore stability at City Hall.
San Diegans from all walks of life, and every political party, worked together to demand Bob Filner leave office – and that unity of purpose should not stop with today’s development.
Let’s commit to continue to work together on our city’s issues – without regard for party labels – to do the right thing for the city we all love so much.”
Former Councilman Carl DeMaio
“Mayor Filner’s failings were widely known. Had local union and Democratic leadership not looked the other way for crass political, ideological reasons, this sad chapter in our city’s history could have been avoided.
It is time to take back control of San Diego from union and big business interests which have dominated it for too long. Republicans stand ready to provide steady, pragmatic and fiscally prudent leadership in the mayor’s office focused on basic city services, neighborhoods and helping small business.”
Republican Party of San Diego County
“I am glad that Mayor Filner has chosen to do what’s in the best interest of San Diego and resign. This has been an unfortunate time in our city’s history and a difficult decision had to be made. I appreciate the City Attorney and City Council for their leadership in taking the first step to move our city forward.”
President/CEO of San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and former Mayor Jerry Sanders
“As someone who served as acting Mayor during a period of crisis in our city, I understand what needs to be done to manage the City during a difficult time and hopefully position our next Mayor for success. I offer my support and assistance to Acting Mayor Gloria in any way I can. Like many of you, I am relieved Mayor Filner put the City’s needs ahead of his own and resigned. While San Diego can now move forward to its next chapter, we should remain mindful that today’s action does not resolve matters for the victims of the former Mayor’s sexual harassment.”
Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins
“The Mayor’s resignation will begin to close a sad chapter in San Diego’s long city history. Just as importantly, it validates the victims who courageously stepped forward. City staff who have served the people of San Diego over the last eight months deserve our thanks and appreciation for their service under very difficult conditions. It is time to move on.”
State Sen. Marty Block
“I have heard the calls and seen the letters saying we should not be spending a cent on Mr. Filner’s legal defense, and philosophically I agree with you.
Mr. Filner is an abusive man. There are many accounts of him misusing his power in the worst of ways.
I am angrier than words can express.
I can also sympathize. While Bob Filner has not approached me sexually, his angry and demeaning behavior towards women has been directed at me personally on a number of occasions. Trust me, I want him to face the consequences of his behavior.”
Councilwoman Lori Zapf
“This has been one of the most difficult and trying periods in our city’s history. It’s now time for us to come together, heal our city, and move San Diego forward.
This agreement protects taxpayers and closes this sad chapter in San Diego’s history. I worked to ensure the best scenario possible for San Diego taxpayers. It would not have been possible without the City Attorney, the City Council and the passionate work of the San Diegans who launched an effort to recall Mayor Filner.”
Councilman Kevin Faulconer
