San Diego mayor, city council argue over suit

The city of San Diego wants Mayor Bob Filner to pay all of its costs in defending the sexual harassment lawsuit against him -- along with any damages it may be forced to pay if they lose the case.

The city is named as a co-defendant in the lawsuit against Filner. His former spokeswoman filed the suit alleging both were responsible for the mayor's sexual harassment.

San Diego says it shouldn't be part of the lawsuit in the first place because it had no role in the mayor's behavior and because it has a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment.

The city "believes that it neither caused nor contributed to the damages alleged by" Filner's former spokeswoman, Irene Jackson.

It's a complicated situation.

Jackson and seven other women say they were subjected to "crude and disgusting" comments and inappropriate touching -- including groping and kissing -- by Filner, and she resigned as his spokeswoman in June.

Eight days ago, Jackson filed suit against both Filner and the city, alleging both were responsible.

Filner, 70, then sent a letter to the city, saying it should mount his defense and pay his legal bills.

The San Diego City Council met Tuesday and unanimously decided to file suit against Filner, saying it is the mayor who should pay the city's legal bills in defending the case. And if Jackson wins her case, the city's lawsuit seeks indemnity from paying any damages.

"Bob Filner can't pay back San Diegans for the damage he's done to our city's reputation, but he can and should repay the city if there are any taxpayer costs as a result of this lawsuit," City Council member Kevin Faulconer said in a statement.

Source: http://www.wmur.com/news/national/San-Diego-mayor-city-council-argue-over-suit/-/9857926/21239796/-/1493vgcz/-/index.html?absolute=true

March Madness 2013 selection sunday NIT Tournament clay matthews Ncaa Tournament 2013 2013 NCAA Bracket leprechaun