All eyes and ears will be trained on Supervisor David Campos (right) later today during a critical vote on the appointment of an absentee commissioner to the police commission. File photo by Luke Thomas.
By Luke Thomas
June 14, 2011
All eyes will be on Supervisor David Campos at today’s Board of Supervisors meeting over the appointment of corporate defense attorney Julius Turman to the San Francisco Police Commission.
Apparently the progressive supe is uncomfortable with his support for Turman, according to a reliable source, but remains committed to Turman despite damaging reports of Turman’s record absenteeism on the Human Rights Commission.
Turman could also find himself in the less than desirable position of having to recuse himself from police commission issues involving domestic violence.
So why is Campos ignoring the obvious and risking his progressive credentials and political capital in supporting a less than qualified candidate?
Campos maintains his personal relationship with Turman, which dates back to 1997, outweighs his consideration of whether Turman is qualified to serve the people of San Francisco on the police commission.
But that’s not quite the full story: Turman also donated $500 to Campos’ 2008 campaign for supervisor.
Responding, Campos denied Turman’s contribution to his campaign for supervisor is influencing his consideration for Turman’s appointment.
“I am supporting this guy because I know who he is and he’ll be right on the issues that come before police commission,” Campos said of Turman.
Ok, but what about Turman’s documented record absenteeism on the Human Rights Commission? What if he doesn’t show up to vote on the issues important to Campos?
“The issue of integrity is important to me,” Campos said. “This is no excuse, but it’s not entirely clear to me whether Turman’s reported absences are accurate.”
The Board is expected to vote on the appointment later today.
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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June 29, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Campos is a man of integrity. Clearly he believes in Turnman and will stand behind him. He is the kind of leader we need in this City. “Run David Run” Wait- have John running- never mind.
June 16, 2011 at 9:12 am
C’mon David fer chrisakes.
One is a corporate defense attorney.
One is a civil rights attorney.
That alone should be enough.
WTF is your problem.
Not nepotism I hope.
June 14, 2011 at 11:25 am
Yeah, but …
He’s got eyebrows Tina Turner would kill for.
Go Giants!
h.
June 14, 2011 at 9:59 am
When CitiReport reviewed the minutes of the Human Rights Commission, we did not find Turman on record providing input on HRC discussions of sanctuary, sit-lie or police intrusion toward Moslem residents in San Francisco. When we attended the special hearing on federal housing policy regarding sexual orientation discrimination, hosted by HUD Asst Sec and one of only a few nationwide, HRC Ex Dir Theresa Sparks and HRC Commission President Sweet were there and participated, but Turman did not appear to be there.