San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer Takes Office

Mayor Kevin Faulconer, San Diego’s fourth Republican mayor since 1992, is ticketed to serve until December, 2016

Kevin Faulconer took the oath of office Monday, becoming the mayor of San Diego months after a sex scandal forced the mid-term resignation of former U.S. Congressman Bob Filner.

"We are one city. San Diego is not at its best until every community is at its best," Faulconer said to the standing-room only crowd in reference to the  different neighborhoods and cultures living within the city's boundaries.

"I will work tirelessly so every neighborhood has quality parks, libraries and community centers," he said.

He pledged to prioritize street repairs and promised to pave 500 miles of roads and invest $900 million over the next five years.

Faulconer also discussed his choice for police chief, Assistant Chief Shelley Zimmerman, saying she is the right candidate at the right time to replace outgoing Chief William Lansdowne.

He identified his administration's need to address the scandals happening inside the department as one of his highest priorities.

He also pledged to increase diversity in the force.  "It's part of a greater quest, to bring equal representation and fairness to neighborhood services," the new mayor said.

Mayor Faulconer, San Diego’s fourth Republican mayor since 1992, is ticketed to serve until December, 2016, when the remainder of Filner’s term is up.

After the San Diego City Council appoints someone to fill Faulconer's 2nd District seat, the new mayor may face a Democratic super majority through the end of the year. 

After his 9-point margin victory over fellow City Councilmember David Alvarez in February's Special Election, Faulconer told NBC 7's Politically Speaking host Gene Cubbison that he is intent on delivering just what he promised during his campaign – straightforward, reform-minded governance, a solid financial footing, and outreach across the partisan aisle on the City Council.

Beginning in July 2013, a number of different women levied allegations against then-mayor Bob Filner accusing him of inappropriate touching and sexual harassment.

In October, 2013, Filner pleaded guilty to felony false imprisonment and two misdemeanor charges of battery.

He is currently serving a 90-day house arrest sentence that began Jan. 1. Per his sentencing, Filner will also serve three years probation and will still have to check in with his probation officer and be subject to unannounced searches and visits.

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