July 7, 2013
Mayor Bob Filner
San Diego City Hall
202 C Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Dear Mayor Filner,
As you know, over the years the publications with which I have been associated (San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage, San Diego Jewish World) have endorsed you every time you’ve run, impressed by your commitment since your days as a Freedom Rider to fighting for the rights of minorities of all kinds. I was delighted when you won the mayoral contest and look forward to your productive continuance in office.
What’s happening now, in my opinion, is that Doug Manchester’s Union-Tribune and some other Republican-aligned media, are trying to demonize you and possibly to set up a recall election attempt. Clearly, for such purposes, your “feud” with City Attorney Jan Goldsmith helps fuel their fire. The problem for you is that as the nastiness increases, and your approval ratings drop, you will have an increasingly difficult time winning support for important programs and initiatives.
You’ve built a strong reputation as the guy willing to fight the “establishment.” But now, Bob, you are the “establishment” and it’s time to stop fighting.
So, I recommend that you publicly announce that you wish a reconciliation with Goldsmith — that you are willing to put aside everything that has occurred in the past — so that you, he, and the City Council can once again concentrate with full attention on the people’s business.
In a press release perhaps to be headlined “Mayor Announces Local City Hall Peace Initiative,” I suggest that you state you are unwilling to be drawn into any more personality battles, that you regret those that have occurred before, and that you believe that Goldsmith and members of the City Council feel likewise. I think you should say that when you and Goldsmith– and you and the City Council — henceforth have differences over policy that they should be settled through civil debate, with what’s best for the people of San Diego always the guiding principle.
Simultaneous to this announcement, you may wish to send olive branches (literally) over to Goldsmith and members of the City Council, with the branches paid for with your own personal funds. Tied to the olive branches should be a message inviting the City Attorney, and each of the members of the City Council to amicable 1:1 meetings in which you and they, without hostility, should map new, productive avenues for cooperation.
Bob, don’t let anyone provoke your anger. Don’t be drawn into a debate over whether Goldsmith “won” and you “lost” or vice versa. Stay on message with the media: when everyone at City Hall is talking civilly to each other, and acting professionally, the real winners are the people.
Please be our calm, cool and collected mayor, who in the final analysis is our leader.
With sincere best wishes,
Donald H. Harrison
Editor, San Diego Jewish World
Solid advise… who could argue with this