Supporters of Southeastern Economic Development Corp. president Carolyn Smith turned out Wednesday night, speaking in her favor at a meeting where her job is on the line.

The SEDC board is considering firing Smith at the request of Mayor Jerry Sanders and four City Council members, after a series of revelations about unusual compensation, budgeting and land deals.

Smith received a standing ovation when she arrived at the packed meeting, and a series of supporters came to the microphone. The speakers criticized the mayor and the council for treating Smith and by extension the community with disrespect.

The speakers said Smith is being treated more harshly than other city officials whose actions have been questioned.

“That double standard stems around race,” said Cecily Walls Johnson, who manages an apartment complex next door to SEDC's Imperial Marketplace project. “I'm sure no one has missed that Ms. Smith is black, so let's publicly lynch her while her white counterparts get a pass. Is this what America's Finest City has digressed to?”

SEDC is a nonprofit city agency responsible for economic development in a 7.2-square-mile area east of downtown.

Cecil Steppe, former head of the Urban League of San Diego County, said the city is engaged in a rush to judgment on Smith, who has done an outstanding job for the community.

“When an audit is being done, and will not be here until August or September, I don't understand why we should consider having our president terminated or resign.”