For a while, it looked like former San Diego City Councilwoman Donna Frye was coming back to City Hall. She was supposed to work with Mayor-elect Bob Filner. But a city law may disrupt the homecoming.
Filner has said he wants to hire Frye as his director of open government. Her role would be to ensure transparency and public access at City Hall. But a city ordinance prevents retired employees from receiving a pension and a salary at the same time, as Frye would.
In a statement, City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said it’s possible for Frye to be hired as a provisional employee, which would limit her to working 90 days a year. She may also take an unpaid position. But she would not be able to take a full-time, paid position and still receive her city pension.
Mayor Jerry Sanders was able to continue receiving his police department pension after taking office because he was elected to the position. The ordinance makes an exception for people who win an election.
