Supervisor aide takes leave
to explore District 6 candidacy

Releases statement of intent

By Luke Thomas

April 14, 2006

Rob Black, former aide to District 2 Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier, released the following statement to the Sentinel today to explain his reason for taking a leave of absence.

For Immediate Release

To avoid any possible conflicts of interests, I am taking a leave of absence from Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier's office to fully explore running for San Francisco Supervisor in District 6.

District 6 is diverse - economically, ethnically, and socially. The District deserves a supervisor that will represent the entire spectrum of the district not just the needs and issues of a narrow few. I believe my experience, both as a union organizer and as an election and human rights advocate, make me uniquely qualified to act as a bridge builder between the many diverse interest groups and communities in this amazing district.

As I make my decision, I look forward to spending the next few weeks speaking with my neighbors, friends and family about the important issues confronting District 6.

About Rob Black

I was an international election and human rights advocate for President Carter's The Carter Center and the National Democratic Institute, promoting free and fair elections in countries like South Africa, Liberia, Cambodia, Paraguay and Zambia. I was the chief union organizer for the Screen Actors Guild responsible for contract campaign activities and strategic organizing, including organizing the Fox Kids Network. As Legislative Aide to San Francisco Supervisor Michela Alioto I helped deliver city services to the people of San Francisco as well as develop legislation and policy initiatives that are creating hundreds of new jobs in biotechnology and in the arts and entertainment. I am an ethics attorney and an active member of the California State Bar.

I was born and raised in New Mexico. I worked my way through public schools graduating Summa Cum Laude in Political Science from the University of New Mexico and earning a Juris Doctorate from the University of California Hastings College of the Law. I fell in love with San Francisco when I moved to the bay area to work with the California Democratic Party on President Clinton's reelection campaign.

I am a renter and resident of Treasure Island. I am active in the San Francisco Parks Trust Playfields Initiative, People for the Presidio, the Treasure Island Community Association and the Treasure Island Development Association Citizens Advisory Board. I also serve as a shop steward and contract negotiation team member for Local 21.

I am married to Lisa Marie Williams, a plaintiff side class action attorney and General Assistance Advocacy Project (G.A.A.P.) board member.

Before leaving City Hall, Black entered District 6 Supervisor Daly's office to tell Daly he would be running against him.

"It was the appropriate thing to do", Black told the Sentinel.

"I wanted Chris to hear it from me rather than somebody else," Black added.

Although Black has not presently filed his intent to run for the District 6 seat, he is expected to file within "one to two weeks" Black told the Sentinel.

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