Two former mayors help Mirkarimi launch campaignAs I predicted, Friday’s campaign kickoff event for Sup. Ross Mirkarimi wasn’t simply about whether he’ll be reelected to the Board of Supervisors. It was the launch of a movement to reshape San Francisco’s political landscape in a way that could maintain progressive control of the Board of Supervisors and propel Mirkarimi into the mayor’s office a few years from now.
Yet rather than relying strictly on a reenergized progressive movement, the event seemed to signal that Mirkarimi is aiming to create a bigger tent that capitalizes on his strength on criminal justice issues, among other domains of the moderates. Notably, those in attendance included two former mayors: Art Agnos (no surprise) and Willie Brown (big surprise, and a strong indicator that Mayor Gavin Newsom’s coalition is fraying).
As Sup. Aaron Peskin told the capacity crowd at Yoshi’s on Fillmore Street, “There may come a day when Ross is the chief executive of this city.”
There were a few subtle digs at Newsom, who been picking fights with Mirkarimi (vetoing at least two of his ordinances, including the popular police foot patrol measure that was the subject of the board’s only successful veto override) while propping up the guy who’s likely to be his preferred successor: Assessor-Recorder Phil Ting.
Agnos quoted from a recent article in People magazine: “Ross Mirkarimi was championing green issues before it was cool.” As if to drive the point home further, Agnos went on to say, “He is a leader who can get the job done long after the press conferences are over.”
Mirkarimi acknowledged how different this campaign kickoff was from the one four years ago, when no elected officials attended. He decried the unnecessary fights with Newsom over foot patrols and other issues, but said, “I feel like I’ve been battle tested over the last four years.”
He’s come out of that period stronger than ever largely because “our ideas are better,” and because he said that he’s learned from his mistakes. He pledged to work with the broad coalition represented at the party – from labor to developers to affordable housing advocates to the African-American community -- to move an agenda that helps the city: “I shall continue to grow and I shall continue to seek your counsel.”
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Comments (5)
Update: The Board of Supervisors this afternoon voted 8-3 to override the mayor's veto of Mirkarimi's legislation to require that all city boards and commissions be recorded and that the sessions be made available through the city's website. It's the fourth time this board has overridden this mayor's vetoes -- each time of legislation by Mirkarimi.
Posted by Steven T. Jones | May 13, 2008 03:42 PM
Ross has an uncanny ability to build coalitions on the Board of Supervisors. On several occasions, he's even managed to get Sean Elsbernd and Michela Alioto-Pier to sign off on some of his proposals.
Posted by expatriate | May 13, 2008 04:46 PM
OK, but he really needs to do something about those ridiculous-looking facial hair thingies.
Posted by carey vartanian | May 14, 2008 08:11 AM
"Willie Brown (big surprise, and a strong indicator that Mayor Gavin Newsom’s coalition is fraying)"
this really isn't a surprise to those in the district. supeross has been seen around with former Brown aides - helping out the mayor apparent with "Willie would do this and Willie would do that" advice.
Posted by noSurprise | May 14, 2008 01:33 PM
Da Mayor,
When I told Willie my comparison of Newsom to him,
that GCN is kinda like him but without the chutzpah, humor or an authentic personality, he roared and said, " Yeah, but at least I gave away and shared some of what I took".
Posted by Patrick Monk.RN | May 18, 2008 08:18 AM