SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Nathan Fletcher has resigned from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors effective Monday, May 15 at 5 p.m.
In a letter obtained by CBS 8 sent to Fletcher's voters and supporters, Fletcher said "I failed to live to the standards I expect of myself, and those which are rightly demanded of our elected officials. I believe our representatives should be role models and held to the highest standards in both their public and personal lives in a way that honors the public’s trust and confidence. While no one is without flaws and mistakes, I fully accept that I did not live up to this standard, and my resignation is appropriate."
Fletcher announced his scheduled resignation on March 29, amid sexual misconduct allegations from former MTS employee, Grecia Figueroa, who said Fletcher assaulted her on several occasions and used his influence to get her fired. He admitted to the affair but says the allegations of sexual misconduct are false.
In his letter, he "strenuously" denied the sexual misconduct allegations, and said, "As a married man, my actions were unquestionably inappropriate, but they were consensual and often initiated by the plaintiff."
Initially, he announced on March 26 that he was entering a treatment center outside the state for post-traumatic stress, trauma and alcohol abuse, and was abandoning a planned run for State Senate. He also has resigned from the MTS board.
The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in a May 2 hearing to hold a special election on August 15 for Fletcher's replacement.
The special election, which could cost four million to five million dollars, will take place in August, with a possible run-off election, if necessary, slated for November.
According to the county, if the board had opted for an appointment, a new District 4 Supervisor would have been in place by May or June.
In his letter to voters, Fletcher wrote:
Dear Constituents, Supporters, and Friends:
Today, I resigned my position as a Supervisor for the 4th District of San Diego County. I own, unequivocally, the responsibility for making the mistake of engaging in consensual interactions with someone outside of my marriage.
And while I strenuously deny the allegations you have no doubt heard levied against me, I apologize for letting down so many people important to me – my family, staff, constituents, supporters, and friends. I failed to live to the standards I expect of myself, and those which are rightly demanded of our elected officials. I believe our representatives should be role models and held to the highest standards in both their public and personal lives in a way that honors the public’s trust and confidence. While no one is without flaws and mistakes, I fully accept that I did not live up to this standard, and my resignation is appropriate. You put your faith in me as your elected representative, and I let you down. For that, I am truly sorry.
Regarding the accusations against me: I am confident that when all communications are made public, including written messages and voice recordings, and the interactions and exchanges are fully revealed in a court of law under the penalty of perjury, the truth will present a very different reality. As a married man, my actions were unquestionably inappropriate, but they were consensual and often initiated by the plaintiff.
I fully support the independent investigation underway by MTS and know it will show that I had absolutely nothing to do with this individual's employment or termination. However, due process and legal proceedings do not move at the speed of public opinion, and this issue will take several years to fully resolve. It is most important that the vital work of the County government continue without distraction.
The last forty five days of treatment have been some of the hardest of my life. I had to confront my own failings and flaws along with working for the first time to address issues of childhood trauma, post traumatic stress and alcohol abuse. Recovery and sobriety are a lifetime process and I am committed to doing the ongoing work needed to ensure I become the father, husband and friend that those I love deserve.
I am humbled that my wife and family continue to stand by me during these difficult times. And I am blessed with a tremendous group of friends. Thank you to everyone who has reached out during this difficult time. I sincerely believe making mistakes, admitting your flaws, and going through hardship does not cause you to lose friends, but rather shows you who they are. My family and friends deserve my full attention as I work to earn back their trust and confidence.
I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to serve the 4th District and all County residents over the last four years, and will carry immense pride for the progress made and challenges confronted in that time. The ownership of these successes – particularly in the areas of behavioral health, child welfare, and juvenile justice – rightfully and completely belong to those members of our community who have demanded such changes, as well as the County workers who I know will faithfully implement them. I will always regret the circumstances of my departure, but more than anything, I will forever remain a fan of the work of our County government. The mission and purpose of serving those most in need is so much greater and more enduring than any one flawed individual.
I wish you all the very best in the future.
Sincerely,
Nathan Fletcher
WATCH RELATED: SD Supervisor Nathan Fletcher admits to affair, faces lawsuit (Mar 29, 2023)