City OKs $250K to settle Filner lawsuit

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – The City Council on Monday approved a $250,000 outlay to
settle a sexual harassment lawsuit that led to the resignation of former San
Diego Mayor Bob Filner.

The lump-sum payment will resolve all aspects of the litigation filed by
Filner's ex-communications director, Irene McCormack Jackson, City Attorney
Jan Goldsmith told reporters during a late-afternoon briefing.

The council approved the settlement unanimously in closed session.

McCormack Jackson, represented by Los Angeles-based women's rights
lawyer Gloria Allred, alleged the then-mayor told her she should work without
her panties on, that he wanted to see her naked and that he was eager to
“consummate” their relationship.

She also contended that Filner demanded kisses and put his arm around
her and dragged her along in a headlock while making sexual remarks.

It was mediation over her lawsuit that led the then-70-year-old mayor to
resign last August after less than nine months in office. The City Attorney's
Office agreed to defend Filner in exchange for his agreement to step down.

Filner later pleaded guilty to one felony count of false imprisonment
and two misdemeanor counts of battery and was sentenced in December to three
years probation, including three months of home confinement.

“California law holds the city as an employer strictly liable for
sexual harassment conduct of a supervisor, including the mayor, directed at a
city employee,” Goldsmith said. “Legal liability may extend to physical and
emotional injuries, loss of income and other costs — as well as attorney's
fees.”

Preparing for trial, which was scheduled to begin Feb. 20 of next year,
would have cost both sides more than the settlement amount, he said.

“I think both sides won because we resolved this early, before a year
of very expensive litigation, plus a trial at the end,” Goldsmith said.

McCormack Jackson has been on unpaid leave. Under the settlement, her
municipal employment will terminate on April 1.

The city attorney said Filner agreed to the deal on Friday. As part of
the agreement that led to Filner's resignation, the former mayor will not have
to fork over any money to McCormack Jackson.

Cases filed by two other women who sued Filner over his alleged
misconduct are still pending.

Stacy McKenzie, a city employee like McCormack Jackson, contends the ex-
mayor grabbed her from behind, put her in a headlock and rubbed her breasts at
an event at a city park.

Michelle Tyler was seeking help for a friend, a Marine veteran, when she
says Filner demanded a personal and sexual relationship.

Resolutions of those cases could come “fairly soon,” according to
Goldsmith.