A San Francisco group involved in political advocacy has decided to withdraw one of the reform measures it had been working on for the November ballot. TogetherSF Action, the group behind the initiative, cited difficulties in gaining support for a proposal that would have granted the city’s next mayor expanded powers, including the authority to appoint and remove members of various commissions and establish deputy mayor positions.
The founder of TogetherSF Action, Kanishka Cheng, explained that the decision to halt signature collection was due to a lack of clarity among voters regarding the upcoming mayoral election. The race for mayor has intensified in recent months, with incumbent Mayor London Breed facing significant opposition. A poll conducted by the Chronicle indicated that Breed, a Democrat, is facing challenges in her reelection bid, as a majority of San Francisco voters hold negative views of her performance.
Critics of Breed have pointed to issues such as the slow economic recovery post-pandemic, the ongoing homelessness crisis, and drug use on city streets as reasons for seeking a change in leadership. Breed has implemented tough-on-crime policies and emphasized accountability for welfare recipients, but her administration has faced criticism for budget cuts affecting various programs, including a homeless center in the Tenderloin district.
Several of Breed’s opponents, such as Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell, have criticized her handling of downtown conditions and street maintenance. Meanwhile, candidate Aaron Peskin, the president of the Board of Supervisors, has positioned himself as a progressive alternative to Breed and denounced centrist groups with ties to wealthy interests.
While Cheng did not disclose specific reasons for withdrawing the reform measure, political analysts have suggested that Peskin’s popularity may have influenced the decision. Peskin has been vocal in his opposition to TogetherSF Action’s proposals, characterizing them as power-grabs for a preferred candidate. David Latterman, a political consultant in the Bay Area, echoed similar sentiments, implying that concerns about Peskin’s potential success in the election may have factored into the group’s decision.
In conclusion, the political landscape in San Francisco leading up to the mayoral election is complex and contentious, with varying perspectives on the best path forward for the city’s governance.
