What officials are saying about the death of San Francisco’s mayor
The death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee early Tuesday prompted expressions of shock and sadness from fellow politicians and many others. Here are some reactions.
“Ed was not a politician. He did not always deliver the best sound bite or carry the room with unspoken charisma. Flash never mattered to him . ... What mattered most to him always was helping his fellow San Franciscans . ... Opponents may have disagreed with him on policy, but everyone agrees our mayor was a good man with a good heart.” London Breed, acting mayor
“Ed was an excellent mayor of a great but sometimes challenging city. His equanimity and quiet management style was effective and allowed him to solve problems as they occurred.” Dianne Feinstein, U.S. senator and former San Francisco mayor
Mayor Lee “was a very down-to-earth kind of person. He was very natural. He was a good guy and did his best for the city. He expressed what San Francisco is, and he will be missed. I will miss him too.” Jerry Brown, California governor
“As the son of immigrants who became mayor of one of America’s largest cities, Ed broke down barriers and blazed a trail for future generations to follow. And at this inflection moment in our country when some have promoted hatred and division, Mayor Lee has been an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion.” Kamala Harris, U.S. senator
“All who knew Mayor Lee understood him as a true gentleman of great warmth, positivity and kindness. His passing is not only a tragic official loss for our city but also a profound personal loss for all who were fortunate enough to call him friend.” Nancy Pelosi, House minority leader
“He is leaving an incredible legacy as our first Chinese American mayor. The news is absolutely stunning and heartbreaking.” David Chiu, state assemblyman, D-San Francisco
“Mayor Ed Lee cared deeply about our City, the safety of its people and the well-being of the men and women of the San Francisco Police Department. Our City has lost a great leader and we are shocked and saddened by his passing.” Bill Scott, San Francisco police chief
“Ed served as mayor during a period of unprecedented growth in our city and an unprecedented housing shortage. Ed never got the credit he deserved as arguably the most pro-housing mayor in the history of San Francisco ... San Francisco has lost a great leader.” Scott Wiener, state senator, D-San Francisco
“Today the city of San Francisco lost an intrepid leader, a fierce civil rights advocate and a tireless public servant. ... Mayor Lee will be sorely missed.” Janet Napolitano, UC president
“Mayor Ed Lee served his community with passion and humility, broke historic barriers, led with a compassionate heart, and was a valued friend and colleague. He will be missed dearly.” Libby Schaaf, Oakland mayor
“He cared about people in need his whole career. And I never saw him out of sorts. And in that job, it can bring it on. He was low-key in such a wonderful way, but you could see the wheels were always turning.” Charlotte Mailliard Shultz, San Francisco’s chief of protocol
“He was one of us — one of our guys made it to mayor. That in itself is something to celebrate.” Norman Fong, director of the Chinatown Community Development Center