Nathan Fletcher's Broken Promise

I’m hurt, angry, and disgusted by what I’ve learned today about Nathan Fletcher’s withdrawal from politics. I’d wondered what “bottom” the man hit before seeking help, but in recovery circles, it’s not polite to ask before such an explanation is offered.

It would appear as though his success wasn’t enough gratification. A former employee of MTS has filed a lawsuit alleging that Fletcher engaged in sexual harassment, sexual assault and battery, and whistleblower retaliation.

Fletcher, who is reportedly out-of-state being treated for post traumatic stress, trauma and alcohol abuse, issued a statement through his county office admitting to a “consensual” affair and denying all allegations listed in the lawsuit.

There are screenshots of texts in the lawsuit between the then-Chair of the MTS Board and the woman in question that follow the narrative of offenses listed in the lawsuit. So something occurred.

The complainant was fired from her position as a public relations specialist at the transit agency on February 6, the same day Fletcher declared his candidacy for State Senate. She believes her termination was “because she was sexually harassed by defendant Fletcher.”

I feel no obligation to share the woman’s name. At the same time, I believe her claims.

This thing will never go to trial, as the discovery process would be brutal for all parties involved. Nathan Fletcher, as far as I can see, is finished with his career in elective office. My inclination would be that there will be a settlement without any admission of guilt.

His statement included this refutation: “However, this individual and an attorney demanded millions of dollars from me and my family with the threat of not only embarrassment but a willingness to lie about the circumstances and nature of the interactions.”

It’s one thing if Fletcher strayed from his marriage, it’s another if he used intimidation or force on the plaintiff. I’ll let the system sort that out. He did some good things and failed as a human being.

What is also sad to see are the opponents of the progress made by the Board of Supervisors in recent years gleefully celebrating his downfall.

The first I knew of the charges came via comments on Twitter made by Lori Saldana, who lost her chance for the seat in the 2018 primary. She’s been openly bitter after losing all her post-Assembly attempts at elected office. Congressman Scott Peters, I think, could have made a case for harassment based on her years of sniping on-line.

Here’s the thing, though– Saldana has a bone to pick with me because I refused to bless her candidacies via my writings. She’s had me “blocked” on Twitter, which means I’m not supposed to see what she’s saying on the platform, and vice versa.

That deal’s been okay by me. I just figured it was more evidence Saldana is a sore loser.

How is it that her kvetching suddenly appeared on my timeline? Maybe she un-blocked me to have her say and re-blocked afterward. Another reason is also entirely possible, though: Twitter has been mighty effed up ever since Tesla dude took control. 

Carl DeMaio was his usual nasty self, which is kinda weird for a guy who went through his own sexual harassment nightmare. I seem to recall that his accuser recanted, but still.

Once upon a time “Rev.” Shane Harris complained about NBC7 news not covering his call for Fletcher to resign from the Board of Supervisors. 

KUSI was, well, KUSI.

And then there were the assorted COVID conspiracy nutters who deluded themselves into thinking this situation was some kind of vindication. 

I’m sure their spiritual comrades in arms at the Awaken Church won’t be praying for Fletcher’s soul as they flock to Christo-Fascist Charlie Kirk at their San Marcos campus tonight.

Finally there were the twitterati who took aim at Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, along with demanding that anybody who served alongside the Supervisor should resign.

Back in the day when Mayor Bob Filner was initially accused, I wasn’t sure what to think. I knew the guy could be an asshole, but thought he surely must know better based on his political resume. His screw up set San Diego politics back for years, as reactionaries used his tarnished reputation to justify their awful schemes.

I can only hope that Supervisors Nora Vargas and Terra Lawson-Remer can keep the county from backsliding into its former uncaring self.

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