Public Servant Quits Under a Cloud : Convention Center chief is the latest to join a growing--and disturbing--list

Another name was added to the long list of public officials who have fallen from grace because of improprieties, illegalities or poor judgment in recent years in San Diego.

Tom Liegler, for six years general manager of the Convention Center, resigned last week after it was learned that he had charged the Convention Center Corp.--operated by the city--for six questionable events, including parties for relatives, his golf club and a social club.

A reasonable person could argue that a couple of the events, such as a party for the International Assn. of Auditorium Managers, although it included several friends, were legitimate promotion efforts. After all, luring conventions is a highly competitive business. Convention sites aren’t chosen like public works contractors--by low bid. As San Diego learned so well in trying to get the 1993 Super Bowl and the 1992 Republican Convention, freebies and incentives can make or break a deal.

The Convention Center is a taxpayer-supported government entity, but it must function like private enterprise. So a manager must balance public and private interests. It’s a gray area that exists in other governmental agencies as well: The Port District, which owns the Convention Center and is charged with developing the business of the port as well as protecting the waterfront. In that role, the Port District must play the promoter at times, as when it helps to fund the America’s Cup. The city’s redevelopment agency, Centre City Development Corp., a broker of major real estate deals, is another example.

However, throwing a $745 party for family members and a $1,411 soiree for golfing buddies would be unacceptable even at most private companies.

It certainly was improper for a public convention center.

Liegler did the best thing for the city by resigning promptly. We may never know what caused his lapses in judgment. But a long, drawn-out struggle between him and the board could only have hurt the Convention Center and the city’s image.

The Convention Center Corp. board must make sure that no other private affairs were put on the public’s bill. And it should develop specific policies and procedures to help prevent future occurrences. But the board cannot check every expenditure. And no rules can substitute for honesty and good judgment.