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Rules Committee advances mixed slate for Animal Control and Welfare amid debate over past recommendations
Summary
The committee recommended four candidates to the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare after extensive public testimony. A roll-call on a long-serving chair failed and supervisors debated whether the commission overstepped into housing policy.
After more than two hours of presentations and public comment, the Rules Committee on May 5 advanced recommendations for four candidates to the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare but rejected the renomination of its incumbent chair in a roll-call vote.
Richard Schulke, who appeared before the committee as the current commission chair, sought reappointment and described efforts to restore department attendance at commission hearings. During questioning a supervisor asked whether the commission had recommended changes to the rent-control ordinance to raise rents for people with pets; Schulke said the commission held multiple hearings and received comments from the Rent Board and tenant and animal groups and that the commission works to vet proposals thoroughly.
The committee took a roll call on the nomination of Richard Schulke. Supervisor Ellsburn voted “No,” Supervisor Peskin voted “No” and Supervisor Amiano voted “Aye.” The motion to recommend Schulke failed on that vote. After further deliberation committee members indicated consensus to recommend Philip Gary, Pam Hemphill, Sally Stevens and Andrea Brooks to the full Board of Supervisors.
Nominees described varied experience: Sally Stevens emphasized scientific training and volunteer leadership at the dog-owner organization SFDOG; Andrea Brooks described PAWS programs for low-income and disabled residents; Pam Hemphill, an emergency physician and habitat-restoration volunteer, urged a broader focus on wildlife; and Philip Gerry discussed beekeeping and mediation work.
Public testimony included endorsements from conservation groups and neighborhood advocates as well as critiques about commission focus and prior votes. Several speakers urged inclusion of voices for habitat restoration and wildlife alongside companion-animal advocates.
The committee forwarded its recommendations to the full board for confirmation; the full board will take final votes at a later date.
