Board votes to continue successor-mayor nomination process to Jan. 4 after divided debate

The Board of Supervisors took up a motion Dec. 14, 2010, to convene as a Committee of the Whole to consider taking nominations and appointing a successor mayor in the event of a vacancy. After several hours of public comment and extended debate among supervisors, the Board voted to continue the item to Jan. 4, 2011.

The public comment period included many speakers urging the Board to act promptly and to nominate an interim mayor in time to organize a transition team and address budget and policy issues; named potential candidates and priorities varied across speakers. Several labor representatives, neighborhood leaders and community advocates urged the Board to select an interim mayor without delay; others urged an open or deliberative process and time for vetting.

Supervisor Maxwell moved to continue the motion and clarified the continuance would bring the item back on Jan. 4. A roll call recorded eight ayes and three noes, and the motion to continue passed. Several supervisors who opposed the continuance said they wanted a decision sooner, while supporters of the continuance said additional time would permit deliberation and planning. In floor remarks, multiple supervisors urged the Board to present competing visions and suggested procedural options for nominations and voting when the issue is resumed.

Ending: The Board deferred action to Jan. 4, 2011. The transcript records public testimony and internal debate about process, timelines and candidate suitability but no nomination or appointment was taken on Dec. 14.