By Luke Thomas
September 9, 2010
Wisdom apparently prevailed over politics last eve when the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC) utilized the inherent mechanisms of ranked choice voting and endorsed three candidates in the race for District 10 Supervisor.
DeWitt Lacey, Malia Cohen and Eric “Doc” Smith each, respectively, garnered the coveted and politically powerful DCCC ranked choice endorsement.
In the race for San Francisco School Board, where three seats are up for re-election, the DCCC co-endorsed incumbents Kim Shree Maufus and Hydra Mendoza, and newcomer Emily Murase.
At its previous endorsement meeting, the DCCC endorsed one candidate – Debra Walker – in the race for District 6 Supervisor, and two candidates – Rafael Mandelman and Rebecca Prozan – in the race for District 8 Supervisor.
Luke Thomas
Luke Thomas is a former software developer and computer consultant who proudly hails from London, England. In 2001, Thomas took a yearlong sabbatical to travel and develop a photographic portfolio. Upon his return to the US, Thomas studied photojournalism to pursue a career in journalism. In 2004, Thomas worked for several neighborhood newspapers in San Francisco before accepting a partnership agreement with the SanFranciscoSentinel.com, a news website formerly covering local, state and national politics. In September 2006, Thomas launched FogCityJournal.com. The BBC, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, New York Times, Der Spiegel, San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Magazine, 7x7, San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco Bay Guardian and the San Francisco Weekly, among other publications and news outlets, have published his work. Thomas is a member of the Freelance Unit of the Pacific Media Workers Guild, TNG-CWA Local 39521 and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.
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September 17, 2010 at 8:15 am
Probably because he is too thoughtful and principled to get drowned in the cesspool of SF electeds.
Activists and agitators, even ‘outsiders’, are critical to the process of trying to keep politicians honest and holding them to campaign promises.
Once someone is elected Supervisor as a ‘progressive, or people’s representative, the best we can hope for is probably two years of dedicated service before they become increasingly focused on raising money for their reappointment.
September 16, 2010 at 6:31 pm
dan dodt is listed as a D10 resident for 30 years and his comments are thoughful. why isn’t he running for supervisor?
September 13, 2010 at 9:08 am
@Eric, “huge numbers?” Perhaps huge percentages. After the displacement of the African American community under Willie Brown’s regime, dropping the count from 12% to 6% of SF’s population, like Katrina, those who could leave have, it is not out of the question to say that a measurable percentage of the remaining blacks in D10 are in with the bucket brigade. Say fewer than 50K blacks in SF today (6% of 800K = 48K) distributed between the WA, Oceanview and D10, those several hundred bucket brigadesters who pack Board hearings represent a measurable percentage of the D10 black population. This is not conservative or liberal, it is desperate people working politics for pay.
Does the bucket brigade vote or march in lock step during supervisorial elections? Don’t think so, many are non D10 resident preachers or D10 residents of SFHA properties and can be bought off after the fact by the SFHA or SFRA.
The thesis still holds–the white “liberals” on Potrero are the ones who have veto power over the D10 supervisor because they vote. This veto power ensures that we will see no developer land grab for their rapidly appreciating view properties, no high rises at Mission Bay or points south to Cesar Chavez to mar their views, and that all development nastiness will take place literally well beyond their backyards.
-marc
September 12, 2010 at 8:03 am
Hello Dan, et al.
“I’m not one to squelch the right to run”, but as a follow up to my suggested ‘meeting of the minds’ above , I did a little googling on MarleneTran and, despite the positive comment from ‘simba’, based upon what I found it is difficult to view this as a campaign with a realistic chance of prevailing. I firmly believe that everyone who wants to run should do so, and their supporters should fight tooth and nail for them. On the other hand this frequently splits and dilutes the peoples vote and we all loose out to the bosses. From decades of bitter experience I know that trying to unite ‘the left”, progressives, whatever, is more frustrating than herding cats. One way to overcome this might be to ensure that all those candidates of like, or similar, mind, agree on who their #2 will be. Yes it’s gonna take some soul searching and sacrifice, painful compromise and disappointment, but the final outcome would be far better than being saddled with an Alioto-Pier.
I remain, as always Dan, your friendly outside agitator.
GO ‘9ers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8
September 11, 2010 at 8:50 pm
@francisco, as always I respect, value and appreciate your wisdom and words. Will look closer at Marlene. Seems like a number of ‘old-timers’ are going with Tony.
It is vital that this seat is not surrendered to the next “Sophie” and ‘downtown’. I hate to compromise but I think the possibility of Justice, Equality and Reparations is a now a cracked pipe dream. We may just have to be pragmatic and accept that you cant always get what you want and just try and hold onto what you need. While the redress of racial injustice in the community, and the nation, should be a rallying point, the reality is that it is increasingly used as a tactic to divide and conquer.
I’m just a loudmouthed old blowhard, but I think deeper thinking folks like you, Mary ‘n Willie, Espanola, Marie, my friend Dan, Kristine, Marlene, Tony etc, should sit down and formulate a strategy that would thwart the depopulating whitewashing dreams of “Da Mayor” and the doofus who now is the mayor.
September 11, 2010 at 11:18 am
@Marc,
Your analysis of the D-10 matrix completely leaves out the most important dynamic, and that is big developer money buying the support of huge numbers of working class people of color, and corrupt ministers, business groups, and nonprofits like ACORN, by slathering ‘community benefits’ money and straight up donations on every fool that will take their money in return for promoting their toxic agenda. Combine that with the 50 bucks a pop or so that they directly pay desperate unemployed and underemployed workers, and equally desperate residents of ravaged beaten down housing projects, to flood the public comment microphones at City Hall, and you get the clusterfuck that we are current calling D-10.
If it weren’t for that dynamic, progressive people of color would have far more influence in that district and would probably tip the scales in most political battles, Potrero Hill notwithstanding.
The pro development, conservative, working class people of color, influence on D-10 politics, is bought, and fake.
September 11, 2010 at 10:29 am
In all of the comments made here no one has pointed out to Willie L. Brown Jr. and his machinations and ploys to divide and conquer behind the scenes in the D10 bid for power. The three candidates chosen by the DCCC have not paid there dues, have not participated in the required D10 history making deliberations, but now want to occupy the D10 seat for their own selfish purposes. Tony Kelly has paid his dues and I should know as I have been following him from the inception.Watching Tony and hearing him all these years. Sophie Maxwell has divided the community and was on the take – her agents Lennar. The point person initially was Roy Willis who destroyed the community and brought in Lennar a Rogue Developer. Of course few know about this sordid history. Willie L. Brown Jr. desires Lynette Sweet but she tried to fool the Internal Revenue System and some one revealed her folly. The other two black candidates are shallow, have not paid their dues, and think they can hoodwink the constituents of D10. One is a lawyer and the other now works for the Federal Bank and once worked for Gavin Newsom. Marc has it right when he comments on Joe Boss – this man is a weasel and is all for himself. No one mentioned a decent candidate Marlene Tran – of course the DCCC does not care either – the DCCC slate is a joke. In November the Democratic Party and corrupt Nancy Pelosi – will suffer the biggest defeat. The DCCC can be evaluated at hind sight based on that result. Over $ 8 billion in the next 15 years will affected District 10. Wilie L. Brown Jr. and the Platinum Consultants are about money, candidates that they can sponsor to tap them and use them as ploys in the future. It is all about GREED. This discussion is valid only if history does not repeat itself. Unfortunately, the community is divided, the present economy has hit the D10 with over 50% unemployment, mostly blacks with no skills. Most of them having a drug habit and others prone to HIV. No one talks about this constituency and really no one cares. For sure NOT the three stooges chosen by the DCCC. The demographics of D10 are fast changing with Asians and Latinos leading. Blacks once had a glimpse of hope but not any more. Eric Smith is a transplant from Washington DC – has no connection less history with the community. Malia a young chicken and Lacey fumbling for words and rubbing shoulders with the corrupt. Marlene Tran and Tony Kelly have history, sound service to the community, and the desire to serve. Dan Dodt, Pat, and others have touched on some pertinent issues – but in the end it is all about accountability, transparency, compassion, passion, and sacrifice. The candidates who have GREED on their mind – better back off and forever hold your peace.
September 11, 2010 at 7:03 am
@Dan, most affordable housing programs are for families making $40-80K, hardly poverty wages but unable to compete in the SF housing market.
Most market rate housing goes to families making $150K and up.
The powers in this City have ceded the Eastern Neighborhoods (Potrero Hill and Bernal Heights excepted) to the developers. Just try to put up housing > 55′ anywhere west of Fillmore or above 50′ elevation anywhere in the City and get back to me, okay?
We are at the point where equity and parity in development economics are now deemed radical, and the notion that development pay for itself or be available to folks with access to resources similar to those who live in the neighborhood is not a topic for polite conversation. Do people in the neighborhoods get this complex issue? No, it is too esoteric, there is no money pushing that discussion into the community and the nonprofits who claim to represent communities are all too willing to sell out communities for their crumbs.
-marc
September 11, 2010 at 7:02 am
Dan.
Points well taken.
I’ll take mine black.
Pat
September 10, 2010 at 7:00 pm
San Francisco, ..it’s just such a political environment.
The hard thing about San Francisco politics is, it makes you define who you are.
It’s almost like buying an insurance policy.
September 10, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Hello Pat,
I’m not one to squelch free speech; it’s the modulation of extra-supra-uber noise that my AARP ears need to filter. Metaphor, cliche, irony: bring em…
Why is it, despite the desire of the DCCC to have a black person on the board that such leaders cannot emerge from or are not cultivated in any other than District 10? This is a failure of city politicos overall to understand that such leadership must be both diffuse and present in order to be effective. Otherwise we have what we have now: a bit of detached (mostly beige) liberal guilt assuaging to ‘replace a black woman with a black woman or black man’ because ‘that is what is best for ‘that’ neighborhood’. This is racist, myopic and nimby- thinking at its worst.
And guess what, the AA community in the Bayview and throughout District 10 ‘gets’ that. To have three or four newbies in the district who have taken on the self appointed label of ‘black leader’ FOR district 10 is an insult to the many established and dedicated, often behind the scenes individuals and groups who really have their noses and ears on things here in BV, VV, Potrero.
Election mistakes this time around will not be tolerated. The district is more engaged than ever, more hopeful, more demanding, younger and diverse. The many established black, brown and white families who have lived here for decades are in solid leadership roles and also have good B.S. meters. All races want pretty much the same things – crime free streets, decent schools, shopping amenities, good transportation, peace and harmony AND a larger connection to the city services and largesse. The businesses will stay and thrive (tax base!) as those connections are made and maintained, properties retain value, new arrivals begin to invest, and children graduate and return to remain. None of this is easy or guaranteed, of course, and the recent out-migration from the neighborhood is alarming.
District 10 now demands a leader who will run interference on those who chose to ‘divide and conquer’, whether that behavior is exhibited as an unfortunate by-product of uncoordinated City Agencies (Redevelopment, Planning, Transportation) or by outside development entities who play by their own rules. Such leadership has been absent for the last decade.
Another reality of the 65% +/- home ownership base is that property owners in the district, particularly in BV, are fearful that an aggregation of ‘off site affordable’ vouchers will translate into ALL affordable housing being in one location – Bayview and VV. This creates a new ghetto and many people here are aware of that and don’t want it. This has little to do with the argument over ‘gentrification’. Progressives, generally not living in BV, however, think that what they want is best for the ‘underprivileged neighborhoods’ – again – elite and naively institutionally racist behavior.
An interesting side note to consider here is that Potrero contains ‘pockets’ of progressives blended with old fashioned liberal working class families, some conservatives, a significant gay population, etc. Bayview, on the other hand, can’t ‘afford’ to be progressive in the new parlance of progressive-ism. I’m generalizing and simplifying, of course, but people here are more concerned with obtaining JOBS than obsessing over ‘green jobs’. Gay marriage issues aren’t on the radar as much as maintaining the traditional marriage and families intact. I would argue that the neighborhoods are strongly traditional and on the conservative side of liberal. Visitacion Valley is even more solidly traditional and on the moderate-liberal end of the continuum, if you follow my logic here. All said, a complex and challenging district to represent.
The early question applies. Why can’t the leadership in this great city understand that this mix use of affordable, market rate, subsidized, etc. must be citywide?
A little adult supervision is past due at city hall. A few, very few of the candidates, are up to the task and the victor in this race will need a good deal of support from the various communities.
Looking forward to my friend buying me a cup of coffee at a neighborhood stand.
Dan
September 10, 2010 at 5:10 pm
@sf-anon & alphaman, If you dont have the stones to identify yourselves why dont you just post your irrelevant ‘comments’ on SFBG, where anonymous trolls and dip-shits are welcomed.
September 10, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Alphaman,
Have you ever heard of Malik Looper, or Tracy Baxter, two recent names that pop into my head?
I also want to remind you that African Americans are not the majority of D10. They’re not even the largest ethnic group (Asians are). Even if they were, no one has a “claim” on any seat. The candidates should be evaluated on the issues.
Moreover, the DCCC is not just a “club.” It is the (mostly) elected body that every registered Democrat in the city votes for. It’s not perfect, because of the skew that comes from proxy votes of officials who don’t run for the office, but it’s still the most legitimate representative body of the San Francisco Democratic electorate. For better or for worse, who the DCCC endorses does matter to voters.
That said, I’m supporting an African American (Chris Jackson) as my first choice -on the merits, not because he’s African American. And the “progressive” DCCC screwed up in a big way by shutting out every one of the best progressives in the race. How they managed to fail so badly is just beyond me.
September 10, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Why should anyone give an damn what the DCCC has to say about the D10 race? DCCC is predominantly white Dem CLUB that has only had ONE elected black member (the proudly “incognegro” Bill Barnes) in its history. Now they want to decide who should get the ONE SEAT San Francisco’s shrinking African American population can claim. Get real!
September 10, 2010 at 1:28 pm
i love the allegory and will steal it for future use.
the 2000 dynamic was far simpler than you make it. sophie was the only real candidate who could defeat the machine candidate linda richardson. she had been a leader (albeit a reluctant one) in the bayview, had cred on the hill, and could pick up labor support as a union electrician. sophie needed every bit of that cred on the hill since it took her winning something like 80% of the vote up there to defeat the machine. she was the right woman for the time. that time however has passed.
September 10, 2010 at 12:57 pm
My first choices in D10 in some order would be Jackson and Kelly.
Open to persuasion on a third.
-marc
September 10, 2010 at 11:47 am
sf_anon, I think that there is a sweet spot between giving the neighborhood away to developers and reserving it for the very low income that progressives and liberals have missed because they were self rather than community focused.
Back when I lived in Texas, at my first “real” computer job, operating mainframes for Mobil Oil Exploration and Production in Dallas, I worked with and for Texas good ole boys. Naturally higher strung than they, New Yorker and all, one boss related me an allegory that I think would apply to development in San Francisco.
There were two bulls on a hillside above a herd of cows, a father and a son. The son said “Dad, let’s run down this hill and fuck one of those cows.” The father replied, “How about if we walk down that hill and fuck them all?”
I think that this applies to development on our side of San Francisco, a lesson that labor would do well to learn. Sometimes it is better to leverage a resource, like development opportunities, than to consume it all at once.
I’ve checked out of volunteer activity in politics these days because I’m sick and tired of repeatedly getting kneed in the groin by my alleged allies while they get paid and I do not. I could handle the abuse if there was money coming my way, but my volunteer time is ill spent being set up repeatedly for abuse, Lucy and Charlie Brown with the football style.
In 2000, the white liberals on the hill selecting the appropriate well behaved negro was the dynamic. The elections of ’02 and ’06 were incumbent driven. Time will tell if the same dynamic applies in ’10.
-marc
September 10, 2010 at 11:24 am
marc – your take is generally correct, however it does highlight the problems of the pwog-lib-con nomenclature.
not including pot hill, the prevailing sentiment in the community is working class dem harkening back to the growth coalitions of years past, a liberal outlook outside of san francisco where that’s considered moderate.
the problem with D10’s current supe isn’t that pot hill feels comfortable with her, its that she pretty much checked out right after getting re-elected last time and really only cared about passing HPS regardless of its merits.
and if you’re worried about joe boss, then support steve moss since those two (and their respective crews) don’t necessarily get along…
September 10, 2010 at 11:07 am
D10 working class folks have not traditionally been receptive to progressive overtures to check developers. This does not mean that they are conservative by any standards. It simply means that progressive activists operating in D10 have tried to impose their vision of what a challenge to developer excesses might look like rather than working with the broader community to build a coalition capable of winning based on what the broader community wanted.
POWER has some good stuff going on, but is hardly rooted in and in no way accurately representative of the the progressive and liberal center of political gravity of the D10 communities. When they insisted that only the poorest get included in the Prop F affordability and dismissed inclusion of firefighters, teachers and cops in the affordability mix, they shot themselves in the foot and drove potential liberal and progressive voters into the hands of Lennar.
D10 has been ruled by an African American with whom the white overlords of Potrero Hill feel comfortable but who allows them to salve their liberal white guilt. It does not appear that we will see change on that front in November.
The Joe Boss crowd of corrupt developer operators need to be kept as far away from the D10 supervisor’s office as is humanly possible. Boss is the Randy Shaw of D10.
-marc
September 10, 2010 at 10:44 am
the D10 DCCC endorsements are of course a farce. #1’s & 2 without an accomplishment to their names and a stunning ability to fail in public fora. #3 a good guy but with a short D10 history and a propensity to obscure through pontification. its as if the DCCC wanted its recommendation to be so throughout trashed that the electorate was made to feel free to ignore it; a stunning display of poor judgement, strategic blindness, and eating one’s own.
the shutout of jackson & kelly is an even bigger crime. CJ is the only person in the field who both has been elected AND has a progressive track record. he may be young but he’s got more experience as a public official than anyone on the above list put together and multiplied by 100. the guy has room for growth and should be groomed rather than kicked to the curb. TK a longtime activist with whom people may disagree but whose sincerity, commitment, and record are without doubt. some of his positions may be out of step for the district but that does not negate his years of service to his community.
the sidebar kvetching about moss misses the fundamental fact about D10 – that for all the despair and poverty that is concentrated in the southeast, the District has a large working class and lower middle class population that is aspirational in its outlook and occasionally conservative (by SF standards) in its politics. the klatche of activists notwithstanding, high and mighty ideological battles don’t sell down here – as witnessed by the broad rejection of prop F a few years back and the general embrace of redevelopment. and with that the really stupid thing is for pwogs to make moss – a wonky policy dude who appears to be relatively mild mannered and thoughtful out on the stump – out to be some neo-corporate alien and drive him and his allies into the waiting arms of the downtown wrecking crew.
September 10, 2010 at 10:34 am
What is it in the political DNA of the Democrat that causes them to shoot themselves in the foot whenever they are on the potential cusp of winning?
-marc
September 10, 2010 at 8:43 am
Dan, amigo,
While I respect your position, acknowledge and admire your years of hard work and commitment to improving conditions for the residents of D10, I would like to make a couple of general points here.
I fully support the concept of district elections and the premise that those who live in the district are in the best position to understand the particular needs, and who have intimate knowledge of all the personalities and often conflicting opinions and approaches to resolving issues.
However I also believe it is essential that we pay attention to what is happening all over this town that is our home. “An injury to one is an injury to all”.
Cant remember it exactly but I recall one of the astronauts was quoted as saying that there are no boundaries on earth when viewed from space.
For me there are two major issues. The decades of designed neglect inflicted upon the community by a succession of administrations. I maintain that this was at worst willful, at best ignorant racism. The second has been, and will continue to be, the Urban Renewal scam being perpetrated by out of town speculators, developers and their local enablers who stand to reap significant political or financial profit.
While I am not a resident of D10, over the years my work as a home visit RN has taken me into the homes of many residents, primarily black brothers and sisters, who have shared their history and concerns with me. I have also developed relationships with many of the long time community activists who have been fighting for justice and equality for decades. I have done what little I can to raise my voice in support of their struggle.
Yes. I can be a loud mouthed, opinionated, shoot from the hip old curmudgeon, I make no apologies for that.
When I first became involved in this struggle about ten years ago, I was hesitant – as a white man – to be overly vocal. After attending my first few meetings down at the City Hall of Smoke and Mirrors, where the community was raising doubts and concerns about the plan and the process, I was dismayed and ashamed to realize I was invariably one of the few palefaces in the crowd. That is a pattern that has continued. With a few notable exceptions our ‘progressive’ groups and leaders have been conspicuously MIA in their support of the non-anglo residents. When the latest final imprimatur was rubber stamped on this Lennar boondoggle, Chris Daly was the only one left standing in opposition.
While I would personally love to see another black, but non co-opted, Supervisor from the district, my initial conversations with my companeros seem to indicate that Tony Kelly would possibly be the most acceptable, and electable, White Knight in shining, but slightly tarnished, armor.
While I reaffirm my respect for your work, appreciate your feedback, and hopefully continued friendship, I stoutly defend my right to loudly voice my opinion on anything I choose. This proposed Urban Renewal scam will have direct and indirect impact city-wide for the foreseeable future in numerous ways that have been articulated and foreseen by a few, but unaddressed by the many.
Howzabout that nice new Freeway over the wetlands, that’s a winner ??
While I do live in ‘comfortable’ downtown Neo Valley, that is because I have been here over 30 years and have rent control, a protection that is always at risk from the landowners, landlords and land grabbers. While I miss ‘the old days’ when this was still an affordable, diverse community, I intend to hang on by my fingertips as long as I can, lowering the tone of the neighborhood, and keep on ranting and raving about issues that concern and effect us all beyond party or district lines.
I remain, in solidarity, on some things; In opposition on others.
Your compadre.
Pat Monk.RN.
September 9, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Mr. Thomas,
You have it exactly backwards: politics trumps wisdom in the DCCC selection for District10. While I congratulate the ranked winners, the test is to understand their understanding of and true commitment to these neighborhods. Let the vetting begin.
dodt
September 9, 2010 at 9:54 pm
To Pat Monk,
I’ve known you as a friend for 25 years, but from your comfortable Noe Valley roost you are in NO position to dictate these endless and angry diatribes with respect to my district, from Potrero to Bayview to Visitacion Valley.
Come and visit to understand the positives that exist here, and understand that this election is about the leaders who live and work here and cannot afford to have someone simply toss an incendiary critique from across town. Relationships and the leadership which follows take time and effort. Show us your compassion and support. Make the time and do the work. Anything less is just showtime and feeds the least common denominator nonsense that I know you are smart enough to rise above. Do it.
Dan Dodt
and read the history…
4 September 2010
Democratic County Central Committee, San Francisco
Dear Fellow Democrats,
District 10 residents will witness significant pressures on population growth and land-use options in the coming decades. There are accomplished, dedicated, intellectually and emotionally mature local community leaders who have, for years, advocated for smart development, safe neighborhoods, healthy families, strong schools, and support for local employment, and who have earned the respect of the varied and vibrant residents in Bayview, Potrero and Visitacion Valley. These are not new subjects or fresh ideas to those who have done the real and effective work in keeping this district vibrant.
What I’ve have heard throughout the district over the past number of weeks is a sobering reaction to the promotion of candidates with no community experience in this election cycle for District 10. Your fellow San Franciscans, living in District 10, recognize and support those candidates with the ‘institutional memory’ of the decades long planning and development process, the familiarity and working relationship with various stakeholders within our neighborhoods, and for those who can be relied upon to modulate the disparate and valued hopes and desires for our future. Time and again, I have heard “the DCCC should stay out of District 10 and let the voters decide”.
I respectfully urge the DCCC to withhold an endorsement for District 10. The voters will properly vet our candidates, and those citizens will decide the outcome.
With respect to the District 10 election for 2010, I am requesting a position of No Endorsement for the DCCC.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dan Dodt
Bayview Resident
1980. present
September 9, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Ann,
Regarding Chris and the Labor Council, from my understanding, the Labor Council is quite pissed off at him because he went against them on that issue.
September 9, 2010 at 7:36 pm
Chris Jackson’s 50 shows will never happen. As most of you are aware, the community-based Board of Colleges are a front for Quincy Bones and, in essence, are “bad. really, really bad.” Task Force Alpha should move into position to guarantee progressive policies, democracy and the rule of law.
September 9, 2010 at 7:15 pm
First a disclaimer, or a mea culpa, just got done wading through ‘stuff”, and on my second glass of vino. I’m not contribute much until I’ve communicated with my BVHP friends. While it seems like James may have a chance of prevailing in D6, if we all keep up the pressure (and $ support); Nyese’s campaign may have started too late this time to win in 10, but hopefully it will build momentum for next time.
As h said above ‘just being black doesnt get my vote’. From the feedback I’ve been getting from my friends in the hood. Tony seems to be the next best thing to being black. It is disturbing that so much of his ‘support’, and so many of his ‘endorsers’ are honkys on the hill,r or ‘developers’ in dogtown . I hope the many long time BVHP activists (Mary/Willie: Espanola; Francisco: Marie; Ahinsa; Mesha; et al) for social equality will speak out loud and proud and clear. This is a BIG FUCKING DEAL. If the best choice to protect the ‘hood is a honky..so be it… but he needs to be very c;ear about where he stands on; eg Lennar Urban Renewal and if he would have been the only supe left standing with Chris when the most recent ‘final’ was taken; does he support building a mini-freeway over precious wetlands to ‘save’ drivers 60 – 120 seconds in commute timel; blah, blah. He has to be questioned rigorously and vigorously, his feet have to kept perpetually to the fire.
The LAST THING we need is another Auntie Tom, but let’s be sure we do all we can to ensure that this Knight on a White Horse is not just another Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing .
Just my 2c.
Bring it on. Hit me back.
September 9, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Also, for those disturbed by Lennar in D10, as h. and I am, Chris Jackson is also a member of the Labor Council and very pro-Lennar.
But, all members of the D Triple-C who also sit on the Board of Supes voted to approve the Lennar Candlestick development. I’ve been wondering what happened to the so-called progressive Board majority for a long time.
September 9, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Chris Jackson hasn’t even served half his term on the Community College Board yet, so isn’t it a little early for him to be seeking higher office?
September 9, 2010 at 12:55 pm
WTF!?! They shut out Chris Jackson? Are they out of their freaking minds???
Chris Jackson is the only progressive who can get his act together campaign-wise, and the DCCC would have done well to unify around him. There are other decent candidates, like Tony Kelly, Isaac Bowers, and others. The problem is that progressive support is all over the map, and now some shill for Lennar like Malia Cohen or (god forbid!) Lynette Sweet could win.
To make matters worse, not only did the DCCC not unify behind a candidate like it should have, but where they came up with THESE three is totally beyond me. DeWitt Lacy? I’ve never heard of him, but from the looks of his website, he seems to like to rub shoulders with powerbrokers and puff himself up. One particularly annoying touch is peppering the website with quotes from himself -quotes that are supposed to sound wise (I think), but when you break them down they’re just ordinary platitudes. Seems really phony.
I think progressives just forfeited D10. Congratulations.
September 9, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Naw,
Cohen and Smith are closet Lennar people. At the exclusionary forum held by SFYD I liked Tony Kelly, Isaac Bowers and Steve Moss in that order. Just being black doesn’t get you my vote. Although Smith is a fine writer and I read his reviews.
h.