In San Diego, time to play "Let's Make a Deal"

Much of the following is an open letter to the current mayor of San Diego.

You know the story.  The current mayor of the city of San Diego is a guy named Robert Earl Filner, but his friends call him "Bob".  That group has been shrinking rapidly since the allegations of his having sexually harassed a city employee and a number of other women (some describe his actions as closer to sexual assault than harassment).  He's facing lawsuits.  He may face criminal action as well.  The District Attorney's office is investigating.

The City Council voted not to pay legal fees for the mayor, but the city itself may be liable because the mayor never had the sexual harassment awareness training that is mandatory in California for anyone in a supervisory position over other employees (organizations with fewer than 50 employees are exempt).

The supposed "intensive therapy" was a joke.  A diversion.  Mr. Mayor, it's time for you to face some cold, hard facts, so this paragraph is directed at you.  You're 71 years old.  Your political career is completely, totally over.  You will never again be elected to any office, not even to be ninth vice-president of the local bridge club.  You have a good retirement package, thanks to spending nearly 20 years in the U.S. Congress.  You also need to realize that your legacy is tarnished beyond repair.  You will not be remembered for anything you accomplished while serving in Congress.  Here's a list of how you will be remembered:

For multiple allegations of mistreatment of women.  Sexual harassment.  People know that your fiancée dumped you because of what she described as "blatant sexting and verbal abuse".

For entering an Alford Plea (a plea of guilty where the accused admits there is sufficient evidence that a conviction would be likely and therefore is pleading guilty while still asserting their innocence) to a charge that was originally assault and battery but was reduced to trespassing.

For being investigated for financial improprieties while you were mayor.  Even if you're exonerated, people will remember.

So it is time to play "Let's Make a Deal".  It has been estimated with a fair amount of accuracy that the cost of holding a recall election and then another mayoral election after you're booted from office; will force the city to spend $5 million.  Your legal fees are going to be considerable.  You're facing major civil judgments, although whether or not you'll ever be forced to pay off isn't a certainty.

Do you want to spend your "golden years" in courtrooms, in law firms participating in depositions and continuing to be fodder for late-night talk show monologues?  I wouldn't think so.

I think you could get the city and the DA to make a deal.  In return for all of your accusers immediately indemnifying you from further civil action, and in return for the DA committing not to prosecuting you for any criminal violations involving sexual harassment/assault, you agree to resign immediately.

The City will create a victim's fund with $2 million of the $5 million forcing you from office would cost, and all of those who are able to substantiate their allegations against you will receive a share.  The one city employee who is accusing you would get a double-share.

It is a good deal.  You can go off into the sunset and put this whole thing behind you, and spend the rest of your life trying not to cross the line with the women you proposition.  It will be hard, but maybe your week of therapy will help.  Meanwhile, San Diego will finally be able to move forward.

Think it over.  Then make it happen.