[LEMONS] 11.03.2003
Endorse-O-Mania
It's almost that time of year, again. Election day is, for the second time in 30 days, upon us once again. While you could go with The Bay Guardian, or The Chronicle's choices, wouldn't you prefer to listen to, well, a yahoo like me? No? Well, here goes anyway:Mayor: Matt Gonzalez / Angela Alioto
I've been torn on this one for some time now, particularly after the Bay Guardian, the loudest voice of the progressive community in San Francisco, came out in favor of Alioto. The 2000 election made me more pragmatic about voting. I no longer vote solely based on who I think should win. Never again. Today I'm more concerned about making sure that the candidate I don't like loses. The Bay Guardian thinks Alioto is the candidate that can best take on Newsom in a general election. I disagree. I think it's Gonzalez. In addition to having--by far--the most energetic and supportive grassroots base (despite being raked over the coals for entering the race by virtually every progressive organization and publication in town), I've found that Gonzalez seems to have the broadest appeal. His supporters aren't just the usual calvacade of professional students, activists, and non-profit workers. He's got the professional class behind him as well; doctors, lawyers, and those elusive swing voters. I urge you to vote Matt. But if you won't please vote for Angela.
DA: Kamala Harris
That a guy like me doesn't support Hallinan speaks to just how awful he is. Although he was full of promise, his arrogance and bombast have gone well past the point of personal failings and, I believe, actually could jeopardize the safety of the city. You had your chance, Terry. Let's throw the bum out.
Propositions: Yes on everything except L, M, and N.
L: I am, generally speaking, in favor of raising the minimum wage in San Francisco. You can not live on $6.75 an hour here. However, there must be a two-tiered system that takes tipped employees into account. If L passes, it will run mom-and-pop restaurants all over town out of business, and cause scores if not hundreds of servers to lose their jobs.
M: This cruel measure is not worthy of discussion.
N: Want a cab? I mean, want a cab now, and not an hour from now, if at all? Vote no.
Update: I don't claim to be right, just opinionated. For more on Gonzalez and Halinan, read Mr. Hughes excellent article on both men from 1999. Patrick knows his local politics like nobody's business, and makes a good point as to why Ammiano should be mayor in the comments below. Nonetheless, I'm sticking with Matt.
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