Board advances public hearing on charter amendment to create Office of Public Advocate and set powers

The Board of Supervisors on July 28 held a Committee of the Whole hearing on a charter amendment to create an elected Office of Public Advocate with authority to review administration of city programs, receive and investigate specified whistleblower complaints, appoint the director of the Office of Citizens Complaints, and set city policy regarding minimum funding and staffing for the office. The board indicated an election date of Nov. 8, 2016 for the measure.

During public comment, Tom Gilberti questioned whether a separate public advocate office was necessary, saying he believed supervisors already serve as advocates for constituents and asking whether specific groups (he mentioned Falun Gong) would be covered: "Would Falun Gong be part of the public advocate? That's a question I'm I would like to an you know, have answered." There were no other public speakers on the item.

Supervisor Campos said she was pleased the package of charter measures was moving forward so that voters would have an option in November, and she thanked staff member Sheila Chung Hagen for her work on the proposal. Supervisor Campos moved to continue the item to July 29 at 10:00 a.m.; Supervisor Marr seconded and the motion was approved without objection.

The July 28 discussion did not produce final charter text for the office's budget, staffing, or operational rules; those details will be addressed in subsequent hearings before any final board decision or placement on the ballot.