Current Mayor Ed Lee was appointed as Mayor of San Francisco back in January to fill the vacancy for departing Mayor Gavin Newsom – as he became Lt. Governor of California. Part of the political maneuvering for Lee’s appointment was the promise that Lee would not run for mayor in the special election to be held this November 2011. Despite his pledge, the popular mayor’s supporters are waging a campaign for him to run:
The former city administrator swore when he was persuaded to take office in January that he would not run for the position later this year. He has not changed his mind. But Lee’s nice-guy ways and his willingness to listen to others have now spurred a host of efforts to persuade him to do just that. Among them are the Draft Ed Lee Organizing Committee, launched by two former supervisors-turned-consultants, and Run Ed Run, a campaign that has gathered more than 12,000 signatures to press Lee, 59, to reconsider. Its posters, featuring a line drawing of Lee with a Mona Lisa smirk below his iconic ‘stache, are popping up all over town.
Living over 30 miles south of San Francisco, I did not realize how popular Mayor Ed Lee has become. Apparently his low key, ego-less manner seeking to solve the city’s issues in a non-partisan manner is appealing to San Franciscans. What a concept.
Despite the accolades and desire of many San Franciscans, Mayor Lee is sticking to his pledge of not running for Mayor. He really didn’t seem to want the job in the first place, but was persuaded into the role. I think any goodwill towards Mayor Lee would quickly evaporate if he did run – reneging on his pledge not to run when he was being considered to be appointed mayor.
If you are old enough, some of you might remember the backlash against former President George H.W. Bush’s campaign pledge of “Read my lips, no new taxes.” And when Bush raised taxes, he lost his base when he ran for re-election (then again, I think he was doomed from the start with Perot splitting the vote as well as “It’s the economy, stupid.“).
I’m glad to see that Mayor Ed Lee – the first Asian American mayor of San Francisco – is so popular! But I hope Lee sticks to his pledge. I’ve noted that I’m a supporter of Board of Supervisors President David Chiu’s bid for mayor. And I’m also hoping one day that District 6 Supervisor Jane Kim becomes the first Asian American female mayor of San Francisco.
[Photo courtesy of SF Examiner]
- Excited
- Fascinated
- Amused
- Disgusted
- Sad
- Angry
