Rules Committee advances charter amendment to create Office of Public Advocate

The Rules Committee voted July 13 to forward a charter amendment that would create an Office of Public Advocate, authorize the office to review city programs, investigate complaints (including whistleblower complaints) and provide recommendations; the measure was set for the November 3, 2020 ballot with a committee recommendation to the full Board.

Supervisor Gordon Marr, the item sponsor, said this was the fourth hearing on the proposal and pointed to an expanding federal investigation involving multiple city departments (including public works, building inspection and the public utilities commission) as evidence of a need for structural reform. "San Franciscans deserve a public advocate," Marr said, arguing that the office would help address "a culture of casual corruption and pay-to-play politics."

Marr also cited a controller estimate that the office would cost between $725,000 and $925,000 per year. He characterized the office as a modest expense that could save taxpayer money in the long run by reducing corruption and waste.

Chair Ronan moved the item to the full Board with a positive recommendation. The clerk recorded Supervisor Stephanie voting No, Supervisor Mar (Gordon Marr) voting Aye, and Chair Ronan voting Aye; the motion passed with Supervisor Stephanie dissenting in committee.

The charter amendment would specify the public advocate's powers and duties, set election and removal procedures and authorize the office to receive and attempt to resolve complaints about city services.