Jake McGoldrick: Pedestrian Safety, Ethics on Agenda

Recently, the SF Board of Supervisors passed significant pedestrian legislation and a charter amendment I sponsored. I also recently introduced several new measures reforming local government and elections.

The safety of our most vulnerable pedestrians took a few steps forward when the board unanimously approved a package of pedestrian safety legislation sponsored by my office. During my campaign for supervisor, it quickly became apparent that pedestrian safety was an important issue to a great many voters, particularly those who are seniors, disabled or have children. It was clear that these voters did not believe the City was doing enough to address the needs of our pedestrians. That is why I made this issue a top priority of my office.

The legislation we just passed will help make the safety of our most vulnerable pedestrian populations a top priority. Because their needs are greater and they face greater dangers on our streets, our children, seniors and disabled deserve our special attention to protect them from being killed or injured on our city's streets.

The legislation makes it a top priority for DPT to place clearly visible crosswalk markings and signage at schools, senior centers, hospitals, parks and other locations frequented by children, the elderly and the disabled. It will do so by providing a clear process for parents or school officials to establish school bus and drop-off zones. Such school safety zones are enforceable by towing. Companion legislation still in committee would require parking lots near schools to post signage warning exiting drivers of school children.

The board also put on the ballot Proposition C, my charter amendment concerning filling vacancies in elective office. This measure would return more control to the voters over who serves them as an elected official. Clearly, elective office should be filled by election rather than by appointment, so this measure will increase democratic accountability. That's why Prop. C has been endorsed by organizations as diverse as the SF Democratic Party, SF Republican Party, SPUR, Chamber of Commerce and the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club.

I also recently introduced the Truth in Campaign Advertising Ordinance. It would apply to campaign committees the same rules that apply to individuals who commit libel. This ordinance would prohibit political campaign committees from misstating facts with reckless disregard for the truth during the last 90 days of a campaign.

A complainant would need to present clear and convincing evidence. An example of prohibited conduct would be a campaign statement that a supervisor voted against a measure when he or she actually voted in favor of that measure. Because voting records are public and can be researched, a misstatement of fact without checking that record would amount to reckless disregard for the truth.

Such lies poison the democratic process and depress voter turnout in our elections. Given the increase in outright lying in campaign materials produced by highly paid consultants in the last days of a campaign, it is crucial that we address such outrageous conduct.

Finally, I wish all of you the best in these trying times for our nation.

I am proud of the role our City has played during this national crisis. I was honored to have been able to serve on behalf of the board of supervisors during emergency management in the City Sept. 11. I am also proud to have suggested to Mayor Willie Brown that the City put together an interfaith Day of Remembrance in memory of those we have lost in this tragedy.

We should be grateful to Mayor Brown for putting together such a wonderful event. We all can be proud that our City remains a bastion of tolerance and compassion for all those who are suffering.

Jake McGoldrick is a San Francisco supervisor representing District 1.