Filner Approved Raises before Leaving Office

Former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner gave staff members big raises the month he resigned from office, according to an email from Interim Mayor Todd Gloria.

The biggest salary increase was for the Council Liaison. That staffer's salary rose from $82,500 in July 2013 to $115,000 in August 2013, according to Gloria’s office. That’s a nearly 40-percent raise in just one month.

Salaries for two other positions increased $15,000 between July and August. The Director of Binational Affairs’ salary went from $70,000 to $85,000, and the Director of Appointments and Protocol’s pay went from $50,000 to $65,000.

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Community Outreach Representatives’ salaries increased from $30,000 to $35,000, according to the release.

As of Tuesday, the Director of Binational Affairs' salary returned to its July level. The Council Liaison was reduced to $95,000, and the Director of Appointments and Protocol was decreased to $60,000. Community Outreach Representatives maintained their raises, according to Gloria's email.

“I respect the right of each administration to determine the value of its staff members,” Gloria said via email. “In the past few weeks, I have restructured the staff of the Office of the Mayor to better accomplish the work of the City and to fit within the office budget. The team currently in place joins me in working tirelessly on behalf of San Diegans, and I appreciate their service.”