Politics
Newsom throws support behind three San Francisco government proposals ahead of Nov. 3 vote
Gov. Gavin Newsom endorsed Mayor Daniel Lurie’s Propositions D, E and F, which would change ballot rules and expand executive authority over city operations. About $13 million has been spent on the measures, with much of the funding coming from wealthy donors.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom endorsed three San Francisco charter amendments backed by Mayor Daniel Lurie on Friday, Oct. 23, less than two weeks before voters decide on the proposals in the Nov. 3 election.
Propositions D, E and F would change how ballot measures qualify, give the city administrator more authority to revise contracting procedures, and increase the mayor’s control over city departments and commissions, respectively.
Newsom said the measures would reduce bureaucracy and improve accountability. Lurie, in a statement, said the governor understood the obstacles San Francisco’s government faces in trying to make progress.
The proposals have attracted roughly $13 million in election spending, according to campaign finance figures cited in reporting on the measures. Most of that money has come from a few dozen wealthy people, many contributing six-figure sums. The changes would amount to the most significant revision of San Francisco’s charter in 30 years.
The measures’ supporters have promoted them as a way to improve City Hall. Their effects would reach beyond administrative processes: Prop. D would make it more difficult to place measures on the ballot, while Prop. F would shift more authority toward the mayor. Voters will decide whether to approve each proposal on Nov. 3.