Rules Committee forwards four IHSS Public Authority appointments to full Board

The Rules Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on June 10 voted to forward four appointments to the In‑Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority to the full Board with a positive recommendation.

Supervisor Marr moved to send the appointments — Patricia Webb (seat 2), Rita Semmel (seat 6), Jim Blackston (seat 9) and the applicant listed for seat 10 — to the Board, and the motion passed “without objection.” Chair Supervisor Hillary Ronan closed the item after colleagues expressed thanks for the applicants’ service.

The applicants who addressed the committee described personal and professional experience in disability and aging services. Rita Semmel told the panel the IHSS Public Authority’s work “is vital to the health and welfare of 20,000 medical people, keeping them in their homes, seeing that they get the services that they need, and making sure that they stay alive and well.” An unidentified representative spoke on behalf of Patricia Webb, saying Webb is bedridden and brings a “very unique voice” as a person with multiple progressive disabilities; the representative added that Webb’s participation helps counter isolation and keeps her connected to community life.

Jim Blackston described his work representing people with disabilities, including service with the Mayor’s Disability Council and an appointment to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to represent people with disabilities. Melvin Beadle introduced himself as president of the IHSS governing body and described mentorship work helping recently discharged patients find care providers.

Michael Pappas, executive director of the San Francisco Interfaith Council, endorsed Semmel and urged the committee’s unanimous support.

The committee’s endorsements will be transmitted to the full Board for final confirmation.