Mayor Bob Filner appointed Walt Ekard, the retired San Diego County chief administrative officer, as the city’s interim chief operating officer.
Ekard, who left the county’s top managerial job in December after a 13-year stint, had been hired by Filner in April as a consultant, according to published reports.
Filner said despite reports of sexual harassment and calls that he leave office by former supporters, he will not resign.
“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,” he said in a statement on Ekard’s appointment.
Filner called Ekard “perhaps the most respected public administrator in the region.”
Ekard appointed Scott Chadwick to become his assistant chief operating officer. He also appointed interim director Judy Von Kalinowski as the city’s permanent human resources director.
“Today’s announcements make clear the operations of city government will not be negatively impacted,” Filner said.
— SDBJ Staff Report
