Rules Committee deadlocks on Sunshine Ordinance Task Force pick, continues decision

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors Rules Committee on an appointment to the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force failed to advance either applicant for Seat 10 and continued the item to the call of the chair.

Supervisor Mandelmann moved to forward Cynthia Dye to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation, but the motion failed after a recorded vote. Chair Shimon Walton voted in favor; Vice Chair Supervisor Cheryl and Supervisor Mandelmann voted against the motion. After the failed recommendation, Chair Walton moved to continue the matter to the call of the chair; that motion passed without objection.

The seat at issue (Seat 10) is one of four public seats on the task force and was described at the outset as a vacancy to fill a term ending April 27, 2026. The item drew sustained public comment and competing endorsements for the two applicants, Honest Charlie Bodkin and Cynthia Dye.

Charlie Bodkin described his background in journalism and civic tech, saying he has worked in newsroom data reporting and launched a local civic blog. “While working closely with reporters to tell data driven stories, I’ve learned not just the laws and mechanics regarding public information requests, but also the important role that these requests play in safeguarding a transparent, accountable, and democratic government,” Bodkin told the committee.

Cynthia Dye’s supporters highlighted her experience on the California Citizens Redistricting Commission and service with nonprofit and civic organizations. Lauren Girardin, speaking for the League of Women Voters of San Francisco, said Dye has “the qualifications and skills necessary for a successful independent member of the task force who can help ensure the public’s right to access their local government.”

Other public commenters emphasized different qualifications. Dylan Herschel and other supporters praised Bodkin’s technical and records-request experience; several civic and nonprofit voices, including Zoe Dunning and Leticia Miranda, urged appointment of Dye. One public commenter criticized the selection choices as reflecting race and political dynamics rather than qualifications.

Committee members expressly separated personal regard from political agreement. Supervisor Mandelmann told colleagues she was “very impressed by Cynthia Dye” but said she could not support Dye because she anticipated disagreements on positions Dye would likely take. Chair Walton cited the need to compare experience when appointing volunteers and thanked both applicants for applying.

Formal actions recorded by the committee were: (1) a failed motion by Supervisor Mandelmann to recommend Cynthia Dye to the full board with a positive recommendation (vote: Walton — aye; Vice Chair Supervisor Cheryl — no; Supervisor Mandelmann — no); and (2) a motion by Chair Walton to continue the appointment to the call of the chair, which passed without objection.

The Sunshine Ordinance Task Force advises the Board on implementation and potential amendments to San Francisco’s Sunshine Ordinance, which the applicants and commenters framed as implementing and expanding the California Public Records Act and the Ralph M. Brown Act. The committee did not adopt any ordinance changes or make an appointment at the meeting; the matter will be revisited at a future Rules Committee meeting called by the chair.

Evidence of the committee’s discussion and votes appears in the meeting record and public-comment transcript for the Rules Committee’s agenda item on the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force (Seat 10).