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Rules Committee backs Mayor's nominee W. E. Wilson Lung and sends nomination to full Board
Summary
The Rules Committee voted unanimously to amend and recommend the mayor's nomination of W. E. Wilson Lung to the San Francisco Police Commission to the full Board of Supervisors, following the nominee's remarks and extensive public comment in support.
The Rules Committee on Feb. 10 voted unanimously to recommend Mayor Lurie's nominee, W. E. Wilson Lung, for the San Francisco Police Commission and forward the nomination to the full Board of Supervisors.
The nominee described his background as an immigrant raised in San Francisco public schools, and said he spent roughly 28 years practicing law, including about 15 years as an assistant U.S. attorney. He told the committee he would apply that experience to ensure policies that protect public safety while respecting civil rights, and said an oversight body is “necessary” to provide accountability and prevent agency capture.
Committee members asked how he would work with both the department and community. Lung said the police commission should “serve as a bridge between the community and the department” and that it should listen to all stakeholders before rendering decisions.
Public comment at the hearing was overwhelmingly in support of the nominee. Frank Noto, representing Stop Crime Action, said the group and its 4,500 members support Lung's nomination because of his criminal-justice background and commitment to public safety and accountability. Community leaders and representatives from local AAPI civic groups, neighborhood business owners and commissioners from other city boards also urged the committee to confirm Lung. Speakers cited his prosecutorial experience, language abilities and community ties, and several said he would help rebuild trust in public safety and serve as a liaison to immigrant communities.
Chair Walton moved to amend the committee recommendation language from "reject" to "approve" and forward the nomination to the full board. After brief clarification from staff about the motion language, the committee recorded unanimous aye votes from Vice Chair Sherrill, Member Mandelmann and Chair Walton, and the motion passed without objection.
The nomination will be considered by the full Board of Supervisors; the committee did not hold a final confirmation vote.
