Mayor picks new chief of staff

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Mayor Bob Filner announced Wednesday that he has appointed
his legal adviser, Lee Burdick, to be his chief of staff, effective
immediately.

Burdick replaces Tony Buckles, Filner's chief of staff when he was a
congressman.

Buckles held the job for about 10 days after he filled in for Vince
Hall, who resigned when sexual harassment charges were initially lodged against
the mayor.

Filner said Buckles is returning to Washington, D.C., after helping
Burdick make the transition to her new role.

“It is an honor for me that Lee has accepted the position as chief of
staff,” Filner said in a statement. “She is an incredible talent who brings a
wealth of experience, knowledge and integrity to the office of the mayor. I
respect her and intend to rely heavily on her leadership in this new role.”

Burdick said she was taking the position while fully aware of the
allegations and concerns confronting the mayor and city.

“After serious introspection, I must step forward to help the city
through these challenging times,” Burdick said.

“I strongly support the mayor's agenda of putting neighborhoods first,
of implementing innovative ways to bring good-paying jobs for all San Diegans,
of leading the way in energy policy and environmental sustainability, and in
setting a more compassionate tone for an inclusive city where everyone has a
seat at the table.”

Filner, who has made no secret of his disdain for City Attorney Jan
Goldsmith, has leaned on Burdick for legal advice since he became mayor in
December.

Burdick represented the mayor's office at a City Council meeting
Tuesday, when the panel discussed appointments to the San Diego City Employees
Retirement System Board of Administration.