Nathan Fletcher Officially Resigns From San Diego County Board of Supervisors
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher has sent out a letter announcing his official resignation from his position as Supervisor for the 4th District of San Diego County.
Fletcher amassed significant political power amid the coronavirus pandemic, as he led the county in enforcement and implementation of lockdowns and various mandates, all of which turned out to be failures. But his blind support for these failed policies, many times first pushed by Governor Gavin Newsom, was not the cause of his shocking resignation.
Fletcher’s resignation comes as a result of a lawsuit filed by former MTS employee, and organization Fletcher chaired, which alleges sexual harassment, failure to prevent sexual harassment and retaliation, sexual assault and battery, and whistleblower retaliation.
The suit reads, “Defendant San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Nathan Fletcher, stalked plaintiff’s Instagram account and sexually assaulted plaintiff. Defendants abruptly fired plaintiff the same day Nathan Fletcher announced his candidacy for the California State Senate.”
Days before this lawsuit became public, Fletcher tweeted a cryptic announcement that he would be entering rehab for PTSD and alcohol treatment. At the time, most of the public was supportive, but those in the San Diego political world knew this was cover for something else, and it was.
Fletcher was then blasted by veterans groups and political opponents for using PTSD as cover for his wrongdoings, as the lawsuit filed by Grecia Figueroa was made public just two days later.
On March 29, 2023, Nathan Fletcher tweeted out that he will be resigning from the Board of Supervisors on May 15, 2023, after the completion of his medical treatment.
It was a long six weeks in San Diego, as the four other County Supervisors called on Fletcher to resign immediately, as he was still being paid by taxpayers, even though he was unable to work from rehab. But Fletcher remained silent, and skeptics, including Carl DeMaio, began questioning whether or not Fletcher would actually resign on May 15.
On the morning of May 15, 2023, Nathan Fletcher publicized a letter apologizing to San Diego for his wrongdoings, but still denying the allegations made by Figueroa.
Fletcher’s letter on his resignation is below:
Dear Constituents, Supporters, and Friends:
Today, I resigned my position as a Supervisor for the 4th District of San Diego County. I own, unequivocally, the responsibility for making the mistake of engaging in consensual interactions with someone outside of my marriage.
And while I strenuously deny the allegations you have no doubt heard levied against me, I apologize for letting down so many people important to me – my family, staff, constituents, supporters, and friends. I failed to live up to the standards I expect of myself, and those which are rightly demanded of our elected officials. I believe our representatives should be role models and held to the highest standards in both their public and personal lives in a way that honors the public’s trust and confidence. While no one is without flaws and mistakes, I fully accept that I did not live up to this standard, and my resignation is appropriate. You put your faith in me as your elected representative, and I let you down. For that, I am truly sorry.
Regarding the accusations against me: I am confident that when all communications are made public, including written messages and voice recordings, and the interactions and exchanges are fully revealed in a court of law under the penalty of perjury, the truth will present a very different reality. As a married man, my actions were unquestionably inappropriate, but they were consensual and often initiated by the plaintiff.
I fully support the independent investigation underway by MTS and know it will show that I had absolutely nothing to do with this individual’s employment or termination. However, due process and legal proceedings do not move at the speed of public opinion, and this issue will take several years to fully resolve. It is most important that the vital work of the County government continue without distraction.
The last forty five days of treatment have been some of the hardest of my life. I had to confront my own failings and flaws along with working for the first time to address issues of childhood trauma, post traumatic stress and alcohol abuse. Recovery and sobriety are a lifetime process and I am committed to doing the ongoing work needed to ensure I become the father, husband and friend that those I love deserve.
I am humbled that my wife and family continue to stand by me during these difficult times. And I am blessed with a tremendous group of friends. Thank you to everyone who has reached out during this difficult time. I sincerely believe making mistakes, admitting your flaws, and going through hardship does not cause you to lose friends, but rather shows you who they are. My family and friends deserve my full attention as I work to earn back their trust and confidence.
I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to serve the 4th District and all County residents over the last four years, and will carry immense pride for the progress made and challenges confronted in that time. The ownership of these successes – particularly in the areas of behavioral health, child welfare, and juvenile justice – rightfully and completely belong to those members of our community who have demanded such changes, as well as the County workers who I know will faithfully implement them. I will always regret the circumstances of my departure, but more than anything, I will forever remain a fan of the work of our County government. The mission and purpose of serving those most in need is so much greater and more enduring than any one flawed individual.
I wish you all the very best in the future.
So far, only Supervisor Jim Desmond has commented on Fletcher’s letter.
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