Voters to have say on supervisors’ aides

By: Joshua Sabatini
Examiner Staff Writer
October 27, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO — The size of the staff for Board of Supervisors is up for a vote Nov. 3.

Each of the 11 members of the Board of Supervisors can have two legislative aides but no more, according to the City Charter.

Proposition B, which is before voters on the ballot, would amend the charter to remove the specific number of aides and allow the members to have as many as they want, within the constraints of the board’s budget.

Supporters of the measure say it will improve the supervisors’ ability to address the concerns of their constituents, such as more quickly responding to calls from residents about street repairs or public safety issues. There are about 30,000 voters in each of the supervisors’ district. Opponents say the current system works best and oppose increasing government costs.

Legislative aides earn between $69,500 and $93,100 annually, according to the City Controller’s analysis. The total cost of the 22 positions is approximately $2.3 million annually including salary and benefits.

The ballot measure was authored by now former Supervisor Jake McGoldrick, and was placed on the ballot in August 2008 in a 9-2 vote by the board. Supervisors Carmen Chu and Sean Elsbernd opposed it.

jsabatini@sfexaminer.com

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Reader Comments

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Here's My Say

Oct 27, 2009

You've gotta be kidding me? No. No is what I say.

SFSquee

Oct 27, 2009

I'd consider giving them more freedom on their staff only when the SF Supes can demonstrate that they actually benefit the City rather than harm it.

City Dweller

Oct 28, 2009

The City is spending considerable bucks for the 311 service the purpose of which is "to address the concerns of their constituents, such as more quickly responding to calls from residents about street repairs or public safety issues". This issue has been ongoing since the Stoops went full-time. Is the City better than when the were a half-time bunch? Nah! No more aides to write condemnations of things that are totally none of our biznez.

CityHallstringer

Oct 29, 2009

Supes handle a ton of inquiries and help the public in their district with far-ranging requests. With two aides, helping the public is limited. If a supe's budget allows it, the public would benefit from the added staffing.