Committee forwards Don Clay, rejects Deborah Walker reappointment after heated exchange

The Rules Committee advanced two contrasting police commission items on Monday: it recommended Judge Don Clay’s nomination to the Police Commission and rejected the mayor’s nomination to reappoint Commissioner Deborah Walker.

Judge Don Clay, a recent retiree from the bench who described prior service on commissions and work in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, told supervisors he would bring experience and impartiality to police oversight. Several public witnesses including former City Attorney Dennis Herrera and defense lawyer Stuart Hanlon spoke in favor, praising Clay’s judgment and integrity. The committee amended paperwork language and voted to send his nomination to the full Board with a positive recommendation.

The reappointment of Commissioner Deborah Walker drew a lengthy and contentious exchange. Walker defended her record, saying the commission has overseen reforms and reporting related to the Department of Justice recommendations and has worked to increase recruitment and alternatives to policing. But supervisors pressed Walker on her support for Proposition E and on whether she thought the commission should help set policy for the police department. Supervisor Safaie repeatedly questioned Walker’s statements about the appropriate balance of input from sworn officers and civilians and whether she supported limiting the commission’s policymaking role. Several members of the public spoke both in support of Walker’s reappointment and in opposition, arguing she has either been a steadying voice or, conversely, an impediment to commission function.

After deliberation the committee voted to reject Walker’s reappointment. Chair Walton and Supervisor Safaie both said they appreciated Walker’s public service but could not support forwarding her nomination based on statements made in the hearing that they read as inconsistent with the commission’s policy role.