SPECIAL ELECTION WILL FILL FLETCHER SEAT ON BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

East County News Service

May 15, 2023 (San Diego) – On August 15, a special election will be held to fill the District 4 seat vacated by Nathan Fletcher, whose resignation takes effect today.  If no candidate takes a majority of votes  in the Aug. 15 primary, then a special general election will be held Nov. 7.

Fletcher announced his resignation March 29 following a lawsuit filed by a Metropolitan Transit System employee alleging sexual assault and harassment.  He resigned from  MTS on April 4 but  has been on medical leave from his supervisorial position since announcing his intent to resign and has said he was undergoing treatment for PTSD and alcohol abuse. Fellow board members called on his to resign earlier, but he did not do so.

Fletcher, who is married,  has claimed he had a consensual relationship with the woman, Grecia Figueroa, but denied the allegations of abusive conduct. 

The remaining supervisors voted 4-0 to hold a special election instead of filling the vacancy by appointment, which may have been difficult to do given the 2-2 split down party lines among the four supervisors.

The vote came after testimony from many District 4 voters requesting a special election, though others urged appointment to save money and/or reflect constituent values.

Costs of the special election could  run between  $3 million and $5.2 million, depending on whether a run-off race must be held,  making Fletcher’s resignation costly for taxpayers.  Board Chair Nora Vargas acknowledged that neither option is ideal, but added that the board has a responsibility to ensure a fair and transparent process for the roughly 700,000 people in the district.

East County Supervisor Jim Desmond stated that despite the cost, there is”no price to put on democracy,”  Times of San Diego reported.

Candidates who have announced an intent to run for the seat include San Diego City Councilwoman Monica Montgomery Steppe,  Marine Corpse veteran Janessa Goldbeck and conservative activist Amy Reichart.

Fletcher’s office remains open, with staff members available to handle constituent matters until the seat is filled.