English: US Rep. Bob Filner (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
By Brian Hews
San Diego Mayor Bob Filner issued a bomb shell announcement on Thursday admitting that he “needs help” for sexually related issues.
Filner said in a video statement that “I have reached into my heart and soul and realize I must and will change my behavior.”
“As someone who has spent a lifetime fighting for equality for all people, I am embarrassed to admit that I have failed to fully respect the women who work for me and with me, and that at times I have intimidated them.”
He said he knew that San Diego residents “have every right to be disappointed” in him but asked that “you give me an opportunity to prove I am capable of change, so that the vision I have for our city’s future can be realized.”
Filner’s admission came just hours after an an emotionally charged news conference in which three longtime friends and supporters called on him to resign for what one called “truly reprehensible” behavior toward women.
Filner said that he will not resign from office.
