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Board narrowly confirms Carolyn Blair to Urban Forestry Council after members cite conduct concerns
Summary
The board approved the appointment of Carolyn Blair to the Urban Forestry Council by a 6–5 vote after supervisors debated complaints about Blair’s conduct toward staff and members of the public.
San Francisco — The Board of Supervisors voted 6–5 on Nov. 25 to confirm Carolyn Blair’s appointment to the Urban Forestry Council, following an extended floor discussion in which several supervisors criticized Blair’s conduct at public meetings while others praised her advocacy for trees.
Supervisor McGoldrick moved to sever Blair’s nomination from a slate of four appointees to allow separate consideration. In remarks explaining the motion, McGoldrick said she intended to speak to “what I believe I'd like to do” and requested the confirmation be handled in two parts: three nominees first, then Blair alone. Several supervisors who had heard Blair testify in committee urged caution while others said her advocacy for urban trees has been “superlative.”
Supervisor Magoldrick (speaking in opposition) described specific incidents, alleging that Blair had abused staff and contractors at tree work and had used profane language recorded by media at a July incident involving workers at a private property and an oak tree. "Miss Blair has displayed ... very extreme disrespect for our staff," Magoldrick said, adding that the conduct had, in his view, "discredited" her for a council seat. He referenced a Board resolution (No. 394‑06) that had addressed the subject tree.
Supervisor Daley, speaking in Blair’s defense, said vigorous advocacy should have a place on the Urban Forestry Council and argued for embracing “a diversity of tactics and approaches.” The roll call recorded six ayes and five noes; the clerk announced: "The motion to appoint her is approved."
The board’s proceedings included a unanimous Rules Committee recommendation for Blair’s appointment, and members noted the council’s history of contentious public meetings on certain tree‑removal issues. The confirmation proceeds despite divided sentiment on the dais about the nominee’s public‑meeting demeanor; supervisors on both sides acknowledged Blair’s commitment to urban forestry while differing on whether her style disqualified her from the council.
The Urban Forestry Council appointment will be reflected in the clerk’s record as confirmed for a term ending Nov. 18, 2010.
