SUPPORTERS SAY MAYOR BOB FILNER DESERVES DUE PROCESS

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By Nadin Abbott

Photos Tom Abbott

July 18, 2013 (San Diego)—Supporters of San Diego Mayor Bob Filner held a rally today to urge that the Mayor be provided due process to allow claims of sexual harassment to be investigated before rushing to judgment.

David Vallalodid, a long-time activist, noted that allegations have “not been substantiated” and charges “have not been filed.”

He said of Filner, “He has a lot of people who recognize the tremendous work that he has done” for communities in San Diego. Valladodid and other speakers argued that the legal process needs to proceed before judgment is cast. “We live in a society where you are innocent until proven guilty,” Valladodid said.

Emcee Enrique Morones emphasized that people at the Plaza came from many different communities, including people from San Ysidro, the African American Community, the local native American Community, the Filipino Community and the LGBT community who have all supported the Mayorl.

“He marched with our African American brothers and sisters,” said Morones, who recalled that Filner was arrested for standing up during the civil rights movement, and he has served the people of San Diego for about 40. “We stand with you, you deserve due process,” he said.

Alberto Ochoa, a San Diego State University Professor, went as far as to call the treatment of Filner “almost like a public lynching.”   He noted that citizens have constitutional rights under the 5th Amendment (the right not to self incriminate oneself), and the 14th Amendment (the right to due process.).

Kathleen Harmon opened her statements with a challenge to the press, since no polls have included the Fourth District, a majority African American district. She said that she had yet to see a poll that included her district, which was very supportive of Mayor Filner.

She added that “I am here to express my appreciation of the long service Bob Filner has given to San Diego.”

Joel San Juan of the Filipino community reminded the audience of the great good the Mayor did in the armed services committee while in Congress, including gaining recognition for Filipino veterans. While the allegations are serious, he added that “I am suspending my own judgment until that process is completed.” 

Screams of “due process” interrupted the rally from time to time.

ECM asked Bishop George D McKinney about the allegations.

“They are disturbing but we do not have the facts of the allegations,” he observed. 

Filner is considered a great friend of the African American Community and Bishop McKinney has been a decades long ally of Filner.

He recalled when Filner was a member of the School Board, when “we were dealing with very inadequate education in the Southeast community.” The Superintendent at the time saw these kids as disposable assets, said, adding that  Filner fought for them, and helped to create a system where those children have a chance to get a good public education. McKinney also recalled that at one time Filner also marched during the Freedom Summer to help African Americans in the South get their civil rights.

United in purpose, these men and women came out to defend the Mayor from what they see as a violation of his civil rights.

Jose Calderon-Scott, President of the Hispanic American Business Association said the anonymous allegations “makes one suspicious,” suggesting that political enemies could be involved in efforts to discredit the progressive mayor.

None of the speakers indicated that they would defend the Mayor if the actions alleged are proven true.

Calderon-Scott urged people to slow down, chill out, and allow the legal process to work.

 


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