David Chiu elected president of San Francisco Board of Supervisors after multiple ballots

David Chiu was elected president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Jan. 8, 2009, after multiple rounds of voting at the board’s inaugural meeting at San Francisco City Hall.

The contested election for board president followed nominations from five supervisors and public comment from community members supporting different candidates. Supervisors nominated John Avalos, David Chiu, Chris Daly, Sophie Maxwell and Ross Mirkarimi. After several ballots and public testimony, the clerk of the board declared that Supervisor David Chiu had won a majority and been elected president.

The outcome matters because the board is entering a new term amid what multiple supervisors described in remarks as an historic budget challenge. Several speakers urged the board to focus on unity, fiscal planning and protecting vulnerable residents as leadership was chosen.

Nominations opened during the inaugural session, and a prolonged public-comment period followed. Dozens of speakers took the podium to back particular nominees, citing local concerns and leadership traits. John Caldera, who identified himself as a 22-year resident and a commander with the American Legion, urged support for Ross Mirkarimi, saying Mirkarimi had “extended the hand to volunteers, to veterans in San Francisco.” Tony Kelly, president of the Potrero Boosters Neighborhood Association, urged the board to pick an experienced progressive leader for land use and affordable housing and said he supported Sophie Maxwell. At least one commenter, Dr. Himsa Portasum Chai, urged opposition to Maxwell’s nomination, citing “approximately 7 complaints and determinations with the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force” related to her committee work.

Board members spoke on the record before and during the balloting. Several supervisors gave short remarks explaining their nominations; Supervisor Bevan Dufty publicly described Maxwell as a conciliatory leader, and Supervisor David Campos said he had nominated Mirkarimi in part for experience. The roll-call ballots proceeded in alphabetical order, as required by the clerk for the inaugural meeting, and produced no majority on initial rounds. At one point Supervisor John Avalos withdrew his nomination; the ballots continued until the clerk announced a majority for Chiu and declared him elected.

After the declaration, Chiu addressed the chamber, calling the outcome “a little unexpected” and thanking colleagues, staff and family. Members of the mayor’s office, department heads and several city elected officials attended the ceremony and offered brief congratulations.

The new president will preside over the board as it convenes committees and addresses the city’s fiscal and policy challenges in the months ahead. The board completed the business of the inaugural meeting and adjourned following the oath-taking, nominations, public comment and the vote.