Daly pens letter to commissioners
following Newsom's call for mass resignations

Supervisor Chris Daly
Photo(s) by Luke Thomas

From the Office of Supervisor Chris Daly

September11, 2007, 3:06 p.m.

Dear Commissioner,

Thank you for your service to the people of San Francisco. I believe what makes our City government exceptional is our system of commissions where everyday San Franciscans have a direct voice and regular input in the direction and management of civic affairs and policy. I also believe that all City leaders, whether elected or appointed, work for and are accountable to the people of San Francisco, not to any one individual.

Our government system, with its numerous commissions, provides for significant checks and balances and decentralization of decision-making. It is designed to benefit San Franciscans' everyday lives. However, our system depends on you, citizen commissioners from the diverse communities of our City, to act in close consultation with and on behalf of your fellow San Franciscans.

Our form of government is designed to give everyday people more say in the decisions impacting them. However, this system can be taken advantage of by City leaders who do not act in good faith. When Planning Commissioner Dennis Antenore was removed after making a vote based on public input but against the wishes of his appointing authority's political donors, we clearly saw the sensitivity of our political system. Many San Franciscans responded with outrage.

Yesterday, the Mayor of San Francisco asked for your resignation effective January 7, 2008. This move is eerily reminiscent of the worst days for our Commissions under the last administration. While I realize that many of you may be removed by your appointing authority, I would strongly encourage you to consider first your calling to service and your responsibility to the people of your City. Your resignation should only be forced for cause or if the call is coming from the people of our City. Otherwise, I would encourage you to continue your work of, by, and for the people of San Francisco. In these times, there is a need for greater resolve, independence, and accountability to the people we serve.

Further, our Charter bestows on you significant responsibility in the process of hiring and firing your respective department head. Given the call for resignation of all 53 department heads, the continuity of your service may be more important now than ever before.

I hope to be able to continue our work together on behalf of the people of San Francisco.

Thank you,

CHRIS DALY

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