Supervisors confirm Mel Murphy to Port Commission amid objections over permits and campaign activity

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 7-4 on a roll call to confirm the mayor's appointment of Mel Murphy to the Port Commission on March 26, 2013.

Supervisor John Avalos, who led opposition to the appointment, said he had "great pause about wanting to support Mel Murphy," citing a string of permit-related incidents and a Chronicle report he said showed irregularities. Avalos described complaints to the Department of Building Inspection alleging demolition without permits in 2004 and later work begun without proper permits, and said he was concerned about "the appearance" of special consideration in permit handling and about Murphy's fundraising for candidates and independent expenditures.

Supporters said Murphy has contributed to the city in other ways. Supervisor Farrell called Murphy "a leader within our community" and said he had done "a lot" for young people and local organizations. Supervisor Cohen said that in the…