The San Francisco Rules Committee on Jan. 12 voted to recommend Dimitri Cornett for appointment to Seat 2 on the Small Business Commission, forwarding the nomination to the full Board of Supervisors without objection.

Cornett, a salon owner in the Mission for about 11 years and an educator for L'Oreal Professionals, described his experience serving on the commission for two years and said he wants to continue representing service-industry businesses. He told the committee he has used market research to help retail and restaurant sectors and emphasized outreach to merchants to surface program gaps.

In response to Vice Chair Supervisor Steven Sherrill's question about top challenges for small businesses, Cornett praised programs that reduce red tape, such as fee waivers for new businesses, and highlighted concerns about recent labor/ABC laws. He said the rules for independent contractors can leave small salons out of compliance and exposed to potential lawsuits, explaining that one provision prevents individuals from performing services that the licensed establishment does, which complicates rental and contractor arrangements.

No public speakers signed up on the item. Chair Supervisor Shamone Walton moved to forward Cornett's appointment to the full board for Seat 2; the committee recorded unanimous "aye" votes on the motion and advanced the recommendation.

The full Board of Supervisors will consider the appointment at an upcoming meeting.