Bob Filner was sworn in today as San Diego's 35th mayor during a Balboa Park Club inauguration ceremony in which re-elected City Attorney Jan Goldsmith and members of the City Council also took the oath of office.
Filner, the former 10-term congressman from the South Bay, defeated departing Councilman Carl DeMaio in last month's general election to succeed Jerry Sanders. He called the job of mayor an awesome responsibility. And Filner thanked Sanders for leaving the city in good shape after years of financial uncertainty.
"I think we mark a new day for the beginning of our city," Filner said. "After more than a decade of crisis and cut backs, we finally have a chance to look ahead, begin planning for a brighter future."
During his inaugural speech, Filner pledged to follow through on implementing voter-mandated pension reform in the city and transforming Balboa Park. But he also returned to the main themes of his campaign, focusing on neighborhoods and creating a more inclusive government.
"I want a city government where everyone has a seat at the decision-making table," he said. "Where the concerns of a Filipino family in Mira Mesa or a single mom in San Ysidro carry just as much weight at City Halls as the traditional insiders."
Filner previously served on the City Council and San Diego Unified School District Board of Education and was a professor at San Diego State University.
At his final news conference last week, Sanders said his staff has been working closely with Filner's on the transition. He said he planned on having a few beers this afternoon.
"My wife and I are going to focus on getting to know each other again,'' Sanders said. Rana Sampson left her job at the San Diego Center for Children last week and the couple plans to spend three months in Italy early next year.
Sanders will begin his new job as CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce when he returns.
Goldsmith was re-elected without opposition.
Returning council members sworn in were Marti Emerald, Todd Gloria and Sherri Lightner. Gloria was then voted City Council president later Monday afternoon.
Newcomers Mark Kersey and Scott Sherman also took their seats on the panel today.
