Rules Committee advances two mayoral appointees to the SF Public Utilities Commission

The Rules Committee on April 15 voted to send two of Mayor's mayoral appointments — Sophie Maxwell and Tim Paulson — to the full Board of Supervisors with positive recommendations, advancing nominees to seats on the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

Sophie Maxwell, a former member of the Board of Supervisors, addressed the committee about her longstanding involvement in Southeast San Francisco environmental‑justice issues and the city’s sewer and power infrastructure. She recalled community efforts to close older, polluting power plants and described participation in planning for a state‑of‑the‑art southeast sewage treatment facility. Maxwell said she accepted the mayor’s invitation to serve because the region’s infrastructure projects “need to make sure we are thought about” and to protect community access and benefits during construction and operational changes.

Tim Paulson, described by supporters as the labor‑seat nominee, said he would prioritize workers’ wages, benefits and pensions in any transition related to energy transmission or service. Paulson told supervisors he would approach the PUC’s policymaking role as a matter of balancing worker and resident needs and pledged to take the position “incredibly seriously.”

Harlan Kelly, general manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, told the committee he was eager to work with both nominees and noted the PUC’s large multiyear capital program, estimating roughly $12,000,000,000 over 10 years across water, wastewater and power projects.

Committee members praised the appointees’ backgrounds. Chair Supervisor Hillary Ronan opened the items after a request to move them to the top of the agenda. Supervisor Shamone Walton, Supervisor Gordon Marr and others expressed support for Maxwell’s experience in southeast sewage planning and for Paulson’s labor advocacy. After a short public‑comment period that included both an opposition point about sewer program cost escalation and labor endorsements for Paulson, Supervisor Walton moved to approve the nominations. The motions carried without objection and the items will be forwarded to the full Board with positive recommendations.

What happens next: The nominations will appear on the Board of Supervisors’ April 23 agenda for confirmation or further action by the full Board.