Supervisor Jake McGoldrick: Cans Return, Ballot Measures

Litter Receptacles Return on Geary Boulevard
After a public hearing that I sponsored in July regarding the removal of litter receptacles on our city streets, I am happy to say that nine of them have been replaced along high density pedestrian and heavily used parts of Geary Boulevard. Thanks to those of you who contacted my office with your input about where you thought the litter receptacles should be replaced. With your help, we can ensure that our streets get the attention they deserve.

The SF Department of Public Works is running a pilot program to ensure that receptacles are available at all transit stops, schools, plazas, hospitals, libraries and other facilities that attract a large number of people. They are also identifying businesses that have insufficient or no garbage service and making sure that they sign up. This will cut back on the abuse of our public litter receptacles by private businesses.

November Ballot Initiatives
We have been hard at work, with quite a number of measures on the Nov. 4, 2007 ballot. I wanted to tell you a little bit about each of the initiatives that I authored. Please feel free to go to the SF Department of Elections' Web site for the legal text (www.sfgov.org/site/elections), as well as arguments for each measure.

Proposition B simply puts a limit of 60 days on the amount of time that a member of a commission or board can serve after their term expires. Currently, no time limit exists. After an appointee to a board or commission serves his or her term, the individual can continue forever to fill a seat after the term expires. Prop. B creates a requirement for city officials to act in order to avoid creating vacancies to important boards and commissions.

This is not a political game or swipe at any appointing officer. The mayor appoints the majority of commissioners, but the SF Board of Supervisors and other city officials also appoint individuals to boards and commissions. This amendment merely takes the murkiness out of a simple appoint/re-appoint situation.

Proposition F deals with San Francisco police officers who previously served as airport police officers before January 1997, when the Airport Police Department merged with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) to form one unified law enforcement agency. Because of the merger, the now-SFPD officers who served as airport police officers have been in two different retirement systems since 1997.

Proposition F would allow these officers (approximately 62) to transfer their accumulated assets from their PERS account into the San Francisco Employees Retirement System. The city's contribution to this legislation, which is capped at $670,000 over 20 years, will be funded solely by airport funds, not by the city budget's General Fund. This measure will make sure all active San Francisco police officers enjoy the same pension benefits, and establish pension equity for all those that share the same risk on a daily basis. This is a question of parity.

Proposition G establishes a matching funds program to help raise money for the stables in Golden Gate Park. For every $3 of private donations, the City will match $1, up to $750,000. Since 2001, the historic horse stables in Golden Gate Park have been closed for renovation. The stables provided after school, weekend and summer activities for families and youth of all ages.

The renovation and repair of the stables will clean up a neglected area of the cultural jewel that is Golden Gate Park and bring thousands of people to this currently abandoned part of the park. The stables are an investment in our youth by offering educational and healthy recreational programs. A scholarship program will also be available for underserved families, making the stables accessible to all.

Proposition K is a declaration of policy that asks city officials to limit the advertisements that plaster transit shelters, kiosks, other street clutter and buildings in our public spaces to the current quantity. This proposition is a reiteration of San Francisco priorities. In 2002, an overwhelming 79.1 percent of San Francisco voters voted to protect the overall quality of life, protect the environment, and limit visual blight on private property by approving Prop. G, the "no new billboards" initiative.

Proposition K was written because the creeping commercialization of our public spaces continues. We are simply asking that city officials listen to the will of the people, and keep San Francisco's unique beauty intact.

Jake McGoldrick is a San Francisco supervisor representing District 1.