Club Endorsements for June 2022: Ballot Propositions
The United Democratic Club members have voted and we’re proud to recommend the following positions on ballot measures for San Francisco Voters.
Election Day is Tuesday, June 7th — Learn more about voting here
Proposition A — Muni and Street Safety Bond: YES
A $400 million general obligation bond for Muni. The money will be used to finance the costs of construction, acquisition, and improvement of certain transportation, street safety and transit related capital improvements, and related costs. This requires a two-thirds approval by voters.
Vote yes! The United Democratic Club believes it is important to invest now to maintain and expand our public transportation system. A bond is a responsible way for government to borrow for these types of infrastructure.
Proposition B — Building Inspection Commission: No Endorsement
A proposal to revise the duties, composition, and method of appointment for members of the Building Inspection Commission. The measure from Supervisor Melgar is one of many she is considering for the Department of Building Inspection.
Members of the club debated this but ultimately none of the options reached the 50% threshold vote from our voting members.
Proposition C — Recall Timelines and Vacancy Appointments: NO
A measure to change the rules for SF recalls to 1) not allow an official to be recalled within their first 12 months in office and 2) they can also not be recalled if their term ends within 12 months whether they’re eligible for re-election or not.
The proposal also prevents the Mayor’s appointments to recalled positions from running for that office in the next election.
Prior to the recall attempts initiated in 2021, there has not been a recall election in SF since the attempt against Mayor Feinstein in 1983. This is a bad policy trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. When voters outwardly project the need to remove someone from office, the democratic process must provide an avenue. We see this as a clear power grab from a Board of Supervisors against the Mayor’s office. The board’s unwillingness to listen to the public is another example of poor leadership from the Board as a whole. Vote No.
Proposition D — Office of Victim and Witness Rights; Legal Services for Domestic Violence Victims: YES
A proposal to create the Office of Victim and Witness Rights in San Francisco. This city office will be tasked with providing comprehensive support to help crime victims and witnesses. It will also create a right to civil counsel for domestic violence survivors.
The measure put forward by Supervisor Catherine Stefani is a targeted and thoughtful proposal that deserves your vote. Many who experience domestic violence do not know where or how to access resources that can be helpful. Providing free legal advice is a big benefit that will help people on day one. Vote yes.
Proposition E — Behested Payments: NO
A measure to prohibit when and where elected official and SF city department heads can ask for money. Following the Department of Public Works investigation, the claim is that preventing people making decisions from having preferential treatment to certain non-profits, contractors, etc.
The measure is well intended but the opponents rightfully call it a “sledgehammer approach that will significantly impair the City’s ability to partner with vital community organizations.” The overreach by the Board of Supervisors will do more harm by preventing partnerships between the City and community. Vote no.
Proposition F — Refuse Collection and Disposal: YES
A measure to reform the city’s relationship with Recology, our trash collector. The measure would move the responsibility of monitoring and proposing rates from the Director of Public works to the Controller.
Unlike Prop E, this is a good government move in reaction to the Public Works investigation. We think the Controller’s rates will take the right factors into consideration and produce fair and improved results for San Francsicans. Vote yes.
Proposition G — Public Health Emergency Leave: NO
A measure to require large companies with 100 or more employees to provide additional paid leave during certain public health emergencies.
We recognize the intent of the author but this poorly written piece of legislation makes it harder for businesses to operate in San Francisco. Currently, the City already mandates public and private companies provide paid sick leave. The measure fails to provide details or instructions for employers and we fear it could lead to another burdensome cost on businesses we are trying to get back into San Francisco. This is well intended but poorly written. Vote no.
Proposition H — Recall Measure Regarding Chesa Boudin: YES
This recall measure appears on the ballot due to the certification of recall petitions in November 2021. If more voters choose “Yes” than “No”, the Mayor will appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the four-year term for the recalled District Attorney. Regardless of the outcome of this election, the District Attorney contest will appear again on the November 2023 ballot.
The United Democratic Club believes that the racist and unjust American criminal justice system needs significant reform. This recall is more about a demonstrated lack of competence running an important part of San Francisco government, less about policies that are being prioritized by a career public defender serving in a prosecutorial position. While improvements to the structure of the District Attorney’s office were desperately needed, Chesa Boudin hired a political ally as Chief of Staff who has spent his time planning a run for California State Assembly. Removing Chesa Boudin from the office of District Attorney will move those much needed criminal justice system reforms forward. Vote YES
Additionally there are a number of places you can do more research into these issues for the upcoming election:
