Here is the full text of Ingram’s statement to KPBS and inewsource (h/t John Dadian):
The statement I made regarding Bob’s abusiveness and disrespect is referring to his behavior in our personal relationship. While I had heard rumors that he was engaging in sexual relationships with other women, I was never able to determine their validity. My focus has been on the work I was engaged in with the homeless population rather than tracking the sources of gossip.
However, as Bob’s behavior continued to become more aggressive, standard decorum seemed to disappear. Bob recently began texting other women sexually explicit messages and setting up dates while in my presence and within my line of vision.
Ending our relationship was a heart wrenching decision for me for many reasons, including the abandonment of my work on the homeless problem. It pains me more than I can describe to abandon the hundreds of people living on the streets or in shelters. But given the circumstances, I obviously had no other choice. And without the power of the bully pulpit, my ability to help has become extremely limited.
I have witnessed a severe deterioration in Bob’s ability to engage with anyone in a civil manner, myself included. During our trip to Paris, he screamed at me in public without provocation, among other inappropriate and disrespectful acts.
I do not have any direct knowledge of details in the many controversies surrounding Bob, including the sexual harassment charges. But I do know that anyone embroiled in so many serious controversies is impaired in ability to run a city. As someone who believes with all my heart in our shared vision for the city, someone who campaigned day and night to help elect Bob, it gives me great pain to admit that he is no longer capable of carrying out that vision. The mayors office is now paralyzed, engaging only in defensive posturing and struggling to survive.
The work of the people and for the people has ceased. I therefore urge Bob to put the best interest of the people of San Diego first and submit his resignation.
– Bronwyn Ingram
KPBS has the rest of the story.
Comments 6
Author
Mayor Bob Filner today announced appointments intended to significantly strengthen City management. Filner prefaced the announcement with a statement addressing recent calls for his resignation:
“I’m not going to resign, and here’s why,” said Filner. “As your elected mayor, I fully expect to be accountable to the citizens of San Diego for all of my actions. But as a citizen of this country, I also expect – and am entitled to – due process, and the opportunity to respond in a fair and impartial venue to specific allegations. I do not believe I am guilty of sexual harassment, and I believe a full presentation of the facts will vindicate me,” said Filner.
“Some who have called for my resignation have justified it with the claim that the operations of the City will somehow be compromised by the current controversy,” said Filner.
“Today I am announcing the appointment of Walt Ekard as Interim Chief Operating Officer of the City of San Diego. Mr. Ekard is perhaps the most respected public administrator in the region and is nationally recognized for his successful and innovative management of the County of San Diego for over 14 years,” said Filner.
“Mr. Ekard has appointed Scott Chadwick, who has done an outstanding job as our Interim Chief Operating Officer, to become his Assistant Chief Operating Officer, and has also appointed Interim Director Judy VonKalinowski as the City’s permanent Human Resources Director,” said Filner.
“Today’s announcements make clear the operations of City government will not be negatively impacted,” said Filner.
I wonder if he has been like this all along or is his behavior a symptom of alzheimer’s or dementia? I do not mean this as a joke. I haven’t read anyone discuss this possibility. In her statement she mentions that she has seen a “severe deterioration in his ability to engage with anyone in a civil manner”. My first thought would be to have him see a doctor. Having witnessed similar behavior in a close relative, getting them to go to the doctor would be a major hurdle, as they don’t think anything is wrong with them.
Any thoughts from those who know him?
Mom, Filner reputedly has a LOONNNNGGGG history of and reputation for abusing women. Yes, it COULD be dementia — perhaps he contracted the affliction at birth.
One thing Walt Ekard can look forward to — micromanager Filner won’t be hanging out in his office very often. Shucks, he’ll probably avoid city hall altogether (doggone press!).
Author
I don’t recall. Other than that, Alzheimer’s or not, he hasn’t forgotten his interest in women.
Ekard just retired, didn’t he? So does he get to double dip, retirement plus consulting fees? Filner is costing us so much and providing very little leadership. I guess we have to pay for the drama. Please resign Mayor Filner.