Editor’s note: Below is the complete press statement released Monday, July 15 from the office of Mayor Bob Filner, announcing he will not be resigning, he will be fighting allegations of sexual harassment and he has appointed a new management team for the city. On Friday, Council President Todd Gloria, Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins and others asked for the mayor’s resignation.

Mayor Bob Filner today announced appointments intended to significantly strengthen City management.  Filner prefaced the announcement with a statement addressing recent calls for his resignation:

“I’m not going to resign, and here’s why,” said Filner. “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.  I do not believe I am guilty of sexual harassment, and I believe a full presentation of the facts will vindicate me,” said Filner.

“Some who have called for my resignation have justified it with the claim that the operations of the City will somehow be compromised by the current controversy,” said Filner.

“Today I am announcing the appointment of Walt Ekard as Interim Chief Operating Officer of the City of San Diego.  Mr. Ekard is perhaps the most respected public administrator in the region and is nationally recognized for his successful and innovative management of the County of San Diego for over 14 years,” said Filner.

“Mr. Ekard has appointed Scott Chadwick, who has done an outstanding job as our Interim Chief Operating Officer, to become his Assistant Chief Operating Officer, and has also appointed Interim Director Judy VonKalinowski as the City’s permanent Human Resources Director,” said Filner.

“Today’s announcements make clear the operations of City government will not be negatively impacted,” said Filner.