Former jailed journalist
to run for Mayor of San Francisco

Plans to wear life casting video device if elected

Journalist Josh Wolf has officially declared his intent to run for Mayor of San Francisco.
Photo(s) by Luke Thomas

By Elizabeth Daley

July 5, 2007

Once jailed for refusing to give a videotape of a protest to a federal grand jury, journalist Josh Wolf has announced his intent to run for Mayor of San Francisco, the San Francisco Department of Elections reported today.

"I imagine my support coming from activists who believe that there is a point to getting involved in local politics. I also anticipate having a good deal of support from the open source tech community," said Wolf in a telephone interview today.

The Department of Elections today reported 26 other candidates had declared intention to run for mayor. However, according to a department spokeswoman, it is unlikely all candidates will be listed on the ballot in November. Candidates have until Aug. 10, to declare their intent to run for mayor.

Wolf filed his declaration of intent Tuesday and published a statement detailing his campaign platform on his blog Wednesday.

If elected, Wolf said he plans to be the first mayor to wear a video camera to broadcast mayoral business to the public, "so that the public can take part in a truly open and transparent government."

However, Wolf said even if he doesn't win, "if as a result of my campaign Newsom decides to wear the video device, I would consider my campaign a complete success."

Newsom's campaign welcomes Wolf's competition, "The more the merrier," said Newsom's campaign spokesman Eric Jaye.

As for the mayor's opinion of a video device streaming mayoral business, Jaye said he wasn't sure how the mayor would feel about it because, "The idea of a video device strapped to the mayor has just never come up."

Newsom Campaign Manager Eric Jaye

Other issues Wolf plans to focus on include homelessness- Wolf proposes public works employment projects, crime- Wolf advocates police foot patrols and transportation- Wolf wants free transportation for all San Francisco residents.

Wolf, 25, who was jailed for 226 days in 2006 for exercising what he referred to as his journalistic First Amendment right to protect his sources, said he decided to run for mayor when he did not see any candidate he could support.

On issues such as gay marriage, medicinal marijuana and the war in Iraq, Wolf said, "The important thing is giving the people of San Francisco the autonomy to decide what their relationship between the city and the United States government will be." Wolf proposes a vote whereby the city's stance on these issues can be determined and enforced on a local level.

While some welcomed the news of Wolf's candidacy, one blog visitor Tommy, wrote to Wolf, "Wow! Your 15 minutes of fame has really gone to your head!"

In an interview today Wolf called San Francisco government "approachable" and "progressive," and said with a progressive mayor, the city could accomplish a great deal.

Other candidates running for mayor include current San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, former San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Tony Hall, h. brown and local artist John "Chicken John" Rinaldi.

Copyright © 2007 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

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