San Diego Mayor Filner Sued By City Council

In two unanimous moves Tuesday, the San Diego City Council denied Mayor Bob Filner's request that the city pay his legal bills, and decided instead to sue him to recover any costs they could incur from the sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him earlier this month.

The council voted 9-0 on Tuesday night to reject Filner's request for funds to cover the lawsuit filed by McCormack Jackson, the first of eight women who have now come forward with allegations of sexual harassment. Accusations have included asking the former communications director to "work without her panties on," among other things.

"Intimidating women is not in Mayor Filner's job description," a council member said. "His employer — San Diego taxpayers — shouldn't have to bail him out of the mess he created."

The Council also unanimously agreed to sue the mayor instead, requiring him to pay all damages and lawyer bills if he and the city — which, in the lawsuit, is also named as a defendant — are found guilty in the lawsuit.

"If Bob Filner engaged in unlawful conduct and the city is held liable, he will have to reimburse us every penny the city pays and its attorney fees," City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said.

Seven of the nine City Council members have now urged Filner to step down, but he has chosen to opt for 2 weeks of "intensive therapy" instead. Because that's really going to make a difference.

The accused is less than eight months into a four-year term as mayor.