NBC Poll Shows Public Sentiment Is Against This Request.
As reported July 30, 2013 by the San Diego Channel 7 (NBC) blog, San Diego mayor Bob Filner has asked the City to cover his legal fees for a sexual harassment suit brought by former employees (with Gloria Allred being the attorney who is representing plaintiffs). City council either has just recently met or will soon be meeting in closed session to consider this request, although nothing has been reported on what has happened. Mr. Filner’s attorney has requested that fees be borne under Government Code sections 825 and 995, which concern compensation and defense obligations under certain circumstances for public employees.
One legal expert has been quoted as estimating that defense fees in the case may approach up to $500,000, if not more.
According to an online NBC poll, the public really doesn’t see this as a close question–97% said the City should not pay for Mr. Filner’s defense fees in the case.