(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) --- Much time was taken at the regular city council meeting Tuesday for wrangling over the Charter Amendment for Lifetime Term Limits for Mayor and Supervisors, which would prevent elected officials from running again after their term ends.
"A major point of contention was the proposed charter amendment for 'lifetime' term limits for the Mayor and Supervisors, which was widely criticized by several supervisors as a 'solution in search of a problem' and a political ploy lacking data, contrasting sharply with the pressing issues raised by public commenters regarding homelessness, public safety, fentanyl, and city infrastructure," the AI-platform reports.
The resulting determination was that the measure would not move forward, and unfortunately, many other important issues were deferred or left with less time for consideration.
The supposed purpose of the Lifetime Term Limits are to increase opportunities for new leadership. However, Supervisor Shamann Walton opposed the proposition of Lifetime Term Limits for Mayor and Supervisors, citing it as “a solution in search of a problem” and a “political ploy to stop people from running for office."
His suggestion was that lifetime bans should be implemented for all elected officials if they truly wanted to heighten inclusivity. He further implored more focus on the needs of the greater population of San Francisco instead of the very few elected officials who decide to run again after their term.
Several prominent issues that more directly impact San Francisco residents arose during public comments, and were predominantly related to health and safety.
Cigarettes were a hot topic during public comments, as speakers noted that they make up approximately 35% of all litter in San Francisco.
OpGov.ai picked up a few public comments on the matter.
Barbara Bella, a long-time resident, highlighted plastic cigarette butts as the 'biggest little illegally dumped item' in San Francisco, according to the platform reporting she "explained they are made of cellulose acetate, a plastic that breaks into 15,000 microplastic fibers, which pollute the environment and leach toxins.
"She stated that filters provide no health benefit and are a 'marketing gimmick' from big tobacco," the platform report, adding she requested an amendment to the San Francisco Health Code to prohibit the sale of plastic cigarette filters, holding manufacturers accountable, citing Santa Cruz County as a precedent."
Vimce Ewen supported the ban on plastic cigarette butts, calling them the number one littered single-use plastic item globally and in San Francisco, according to the platform, adding, "he noted that cigarette butts constitute about 35% of all trash collected in cleanups."
Ewen also emphasized that banning plastic bags was a 'drop in the ocean' compared to this issue, and urged San Francisco to follow Santa Cruz County's lead in banning their sale to uphold the city's environmental leadership, according to the platform. Several other community members spoke up about their support for a ban on cigarette filters due to them being a “marketing ploy” and having “no health benefit”, as well as their role in environmental pollution as they degrade into microplastic fibers that can enter waterways and contaminate streets.
Several comments also highlighted Supervisor Chyanne Chen’s resolution to protect TGNCI2S rights and access to gender-affirming care.
A registered nurse expresses that gender-affirming care “ isn’t ideological, it’s evidence-based and life-saving."
The call for hospitals to administer the correct care to transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse residents echoes the commitment of San Francisco to supporting these groups within the health care system.
Another item that was discussed was an ordinance for amending the Building Code for hydrogen fueling station equipment installation, which would alter the permitting process within the city.
Hydrogen fueling stations fill the tank of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and Supervisor Fielder served as representation for environmental justice organizations that opposed this bill due to concerns of “hydrogen fuel projects prolonging fossil fuel infrastructure”. This is because “98% of hydrogen fuel is made from fossil fuels”, and fossil fuel organizations support hydrogen fuel stations because they profit from the production.
Despite the limited time, several positive pieces of legislation were passed. One resolution for receiving around $16 million from grants and gifts that will be directed to the Department of Public Health for HIV/AIDS relief, health centers, and COVID-19 test kits.
Furthermore, an ordinance will be placed on the June ballot for a $535 million Earthquake Safety and Emergency Response (ESER) bond for necessary public safety infrastructure. Should voters approve the measure, San Francisco would be rendered better prepared for earthquakes and other emergencies.
Other Key Takeaways are provided below by the OpGov.ai platform, making it possible to review the meeting by bullet points if more time does not permit.
Submit comments and story ideas to Enya Niebergall at enya.n@lead4earth.org.
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