Embattled Mayor Wants San Diego Taxpayers to Foot Legal Bills

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner wants the city cover his legal expenses in an upcoming sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former aide.

The San Diego City Council is to consider his petition on Tuesday, even though seven of the nine council members have asked for Filner's resignation because of numerous complaints against him of sexual harassment, USA Today reports.

A recall effort against the Democratic mayor began Monday after he refused calls to step down. At least seven women have accused him of making unwanted sexual advances, including groping and kissing them.

Filner, a former congressman, has also resisted the urgings of his old California delegation colleagues to step aside. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California both have said he should resign.

Filner has publicly apologized for his behavior and plans to begin two weeks of therapy to address the problem beginning Aug. 5.

As for his request to have the city pay for his legal defense, City Council President Todd Gloria has already signaled that it would send the wrong message.

"This is about personal behavior," Gloria told the San Diego Union Tribune. "We certainly provide defenses to city employees who have been caught up in legal issues as a result of the their day-to-day work, but obviously, sexual harassment is not tolerated in the city. It's not necessary for the conduct of your work."