Councilman Ewin Distances La Mesa From Filner Blowback, Reminds City of Ethics Policy

La Mesa Councilmember Ernie Ewin started out the council meeting Tuesday night with a lightly veiled jab at San Diego's perception amid claims of sexual-harassment aimed at Mayor Bob Filner.

"It's been an interesting week in the city to our west," said Ewin.

He said he's attempted to distance La Mesa from San Diego on those terms.

"When I get a call saying 'Are you near San Diego?,' or 'You must be a part of San Diego' ... we’re here geographically, but not tied to other things being raised."

"Our ethics policy in the city of La Mesa is the golden rule: 'Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,' " said Ewin. "Thought i’d share it and maybe a bit of it would blow west."

These comments came on the same day another woman came forward to report an unwanted advance by Filner, telling KPBS News in an exclusive interview that the then-congressman patted her “posterior” while making a crude joke at a crowded fundraiser.

Laura Fink is the second woman to come forward in the past two days as the sexual-harassment scandal that has enveloped Filner and all of San Diego city government continues to expand.

Ewin's comments add weight to the idea that the city of San Diego's perception by business and other interests crucial to the city may be tainted by the scandal and could cast a shadow on economic recovery.