City of San FranciscoProposition B Charter Amendment - Majority Approval Required
Shall the City require appointed members of boards and commissions established by the Charter to forfeit their appointed seat when they file to run for state or local elective office?
What is this proposal?
Pros & Cons — Unbiased explanation with arguments for and against
The Question
The Situation
The Charter of San Francisco establishes boards, commissions, and other administrative bodies. Most members of these bodies are appointed by the Board of Supervisors, the Mayor, or other elected officials. Current law allows appointed members of these boards and commissions to run for elected office while retaining their appointed seats.
The Proposal
This charter amendment would require any member of a board, commission, or other body established by the Charter of San Francisco, to forfeit his or her appointed seat upon filing a declaration of candidacy for any local or state elective office.
The proposal would not apply to the following:
¡ Members serving on citizens advisory committees,
¡ Members of boards and commissions created by ordinance, and
¡ Elected members of the Retirement Board, Health Service Board, or Retiree Healthcare Trust Fund Board.
A “YES” Vote Means: You want to require appointed members of boards and commissions established by the Charter to forfeit their appointed seat at the time they file to run for state or local elective office.
A “NO” Vote Means: You do not want to make these changes.
Supporters say
¡ Appointed board and commission members should not be attempting to get political endorsements while making decisions that affect all residents of the city as a part of their appointed roles.
¡ The proposal would require appointees to commit to the position they hold and avoid the distraction of an electoral campaign.
Opponents say
¡ Elected officials and those serving on boards and commissions are already required to disclose all monetary donations/ contributions to the Fair Political Practices Commission (FFPC) and the information is publicly available.
¡ This measure could potentially deter qualified candidates from running from office and would introduce an unnecessary restriction on citizens’ participation in local government.
Details — Official information
YES vote means
A “YES” Vote Means: If you vote "yes," you want to require appointed members of boards and commissions established by the Charter to forfeit their appointed seat at the time they file to run for state or local elective office.
NO vote means
A “NO” Vote Means: If you vote "no," you do not want to make these changes.
Summary
Ballot Simplification Committee
The Way It Is Now: The City’s Charter establishes some boards and commissions. Most members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors, the Mayor or other elected officials. The law allows appointed members of boards and commissions to run for state or local elective office while serving.
The Proposal: Proposition B is a Charter Amendment that would require appointed members of boards and commissions established by the Charter to forfeit their appointed seat at the time they file to run for state or local elective office. Proposition B would not apply to elected officials, members of citizen advisory committees and appointed members of those boards and commissions created by ordinance.
Financial effect
City Controller Ben Rosenfield
City Controller Ben Rosenfield has issued the following statement on the fiscal impact of Proposition B:
Should the proposed charter amendment be approved by the voters, in my opinion, it would have a minimal impact on the cost of government.
