Rules Committee advances Mike Sullivan—s Recreation and Park nomination to the full board without recommendation

The Rules Committee considered Mayor—s appointment of Michael Sullivan to the Recreation and Park Commission. Sullivan introduced his background: law school, two decades of volunteer work with Friends of the Urban Forest, service on the Urban Forestry Council (2003'005), authorship of The Trees of San Francisco, and a focus on parks equity, maintenance and outreach.

Supervisors asked Sullivan about operational priorities and community equity. When asked "What are you gonna do about bathrooms?" Sullivan said improving restroom cleanliness and security is a priority for families and noted the issue has been long-standing. He said he would separate his prior activist roles from the obligations of an appointed commissioner and would approach privatization proposals on a case-by-case basis, supporting public resources while acknowledging partnerships with nonprofits can add capacity.

A broad roster of nonprofit and neighborhood leaders endorsed Sullivan during one-minute public comments. Endorsers included the San Francisco Parks Trust, the Neighborhood Parks Council, Friends of the Urban Forest volunteers, and multiple neighborhood association representatives; they cited his tree expertise, volunteer service and neighborhood ties.

A committee member said he intends to support Sullivan at the full Board but proposed moving Item 2 forward without a committee recommendation so other supervisors could review the nominee. Supervisor Ammiano agreed to that process; the committee therefore directed that Item 2 be sent to the full Board "without recommendation". The clerk also noted Items 3 and 4 (motions rejecting the appointment or taking no position) remained on the agenda but were tabled for the moment.

No committee vote on the appointment was recorded in the hearing; the next procedural step will be the Board packet when the nomination appears before the full Board.