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Rules Committee backs Jim Hammer for San Francisco Police Commission in 2–1 vote
Summary
After a lengthy hearing with numerous applicants and heavy public comment, the Rules Committee recommended Jim Hammer for the Police Commission by roll-call vote (Daley, Alioto Pier voted yes; Campos no). The committee forwarded the nomination to the Board of Supervisors.
The Rules Committee on Nov. 5 voted to recommend James (Jim) Hammer for appointment to the San Francisco Police Commission.
The meeting included presentations from multiple candidates vying to fill the seat vacated by Commissioner Theresa Sparks. Candidates included Robert Retana, Morgan Guarano, Jim Hammer, David Wagner, and others. Applicants described experience ranging from prosecutorial work and civil-rights advocacy to community organizing and prior commission service. Supervisors questioned candidates on immigration enforcement, the Police Officers Association’s influence, and how the commission should handle discipline and the backlog of cases.
More than two dozen public speakers—including immigrant-rights groups, LGBT advocates, victims’ advocates and legal organizations—urged the committee to appoint various candidates. Supporters of Robert Retana emphasized his experience with immigrant and LGBT communities; backers of Jim Hammer and David Wagner emphasized prosecution experience, victims’ advocacy and administrative skills.
Supervisor Daley moved Hammer’s nomination and Supervisor Alioto Pier seconded. In a roll-call vote the committee recorded Daley Aye, Alioto Pier Aye and Chair Campos No; the motion to forward Hammer’s nomination passed 2–1. The committee’s recommendation will be transmitted to the full Board of Supervisors for final consideration.
Transcripts show the discussion focused both on immediate room-for-impact considerations (supporters argued Hammer could be a fast-moving effective commissioner) and on representation concerns (some supervisors and many speakers urged more representation of people of color, LGBT and younger veterans). The committee did not change the charter or the commission’s powers during the hearing.
