Council approves cross-complaint against Filner

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – The City Council Tuesday unanimously authorized the
filing of a cross-complaint against Bob Filner, a move designed to protect
municipal coffers in connection with a sexual harassment lawsuit against the
city and San Diego's embattled mayor.

The decision was made in a closed-session meeting. The mayor normally
chairs such meetings, but does not have a vote.

The cross-complaint involves the case of former mayoral Communications
Director Irene McCormack Jackson, who hired high-profile Los Angeles lawyer
Gloria Allred and sued Filner and the city last week.

“The city of San Diego has sued the mayor with unanimous City Council
approval,” City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said. “This is part of due process. 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.”

McCormack Jackson is one of seven women who have accused the mayor of
unwanted sexual advances.

A private lawyer hired by the mayor, Harvey Berger, has filed a request
for the City Council to pay for Filner's defense.

Public funding for outside counsel for city employees is not an unusual
step when a worker is sued over something within the scope of his job.

But Goldsmith contends sexual harassment is not considered to be within
that scope.

The City Council will take up the question of funding Filner's defense
at a closed-session meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

The City Attorney's Office has been investigating McCormack Jackson's
claims, and has scheduled a deposition with the mayor for Aug. 9. However,
Filner is scheduled to begin two weeks of behavioral therapy on Monday.