Cast your vote for San Francisco
Don’t let diversity turn into harmful division
As we approach the June 5 special election for mayor of San Francisco, it’s time for a reality check about the health of our great city — the quality of life, the dangers of divisiveness, fear of the unknown, and the future of our neighborhoods.
The election is not some exclusive test of ideology.
It is not a contest to decide which San Francisco will prevail over another San Francisco.
Our mayor must be willing to meet with all sectors and establish a strong common ground for united action.
The new mayor must unite business, labor and the neighborhoods.
The incoming mayor must forge consensus among the neighborhoods, among white, African American, Latino and Asian residents, and among straight, gay, lesbian and transgender communities.
The mayor must establish a strong commitment to all San Franciscans.
First, let me commend interim Mayor Mark Farrell for his professional demeanor and sincere focus on a variety of issues — sensitivity to the neighborhoods, fiscal accountability and critical quality of life priorities. He deserves our thanks and support during a difficult time.
As mayor, my goal was always to promote community pride. There are many treasures in this city — its climate, the great views and the majesty of its bridges. Its greatest treasure, of course, is the richness of its diversity. Ethnically, culturally, religiously, politically, this is one of the world’s most exciting and cosmopolitan cities.
The diversity that makes San Francisco unique and gives it such character and strength must be guarded. Every day, as San Franciscans, we must protect against the dark intrusions of intolerance and indifference that mark so many cities. Prejudice and fear always smolder at times of unexpected change or when difficult choices must be made.
We are a city that prides itself in openness, living life on our own terms, renewed opportunities and cutting-edge political policies. We must not turn the positive of diversity into the negative of division. San Francisco is not a liberal city or a conservative city. It is not a city of divided camps and hostile forces.
It is one city.
At only 49 square miles, San Francisco is unique in its size. The problems in one area — whether chronic homelessness, lack of affordable housing, unreliable Muni transportation, public safety issues or parking and traffic gridlock — are concerns of all areas.
A mayor’s political philosophy should be based on faith in the wisdom and goodwill of the people. It should not be far left or far right. It should be liberal in its compassion for those who are less fortunate. It should be conservative in its belief that we cannot squander our resources or tax this city into submission. It should be liberal in its belief that government must serve all San Franciscans. It should be conservative in the conviction of our founding fathers that all men and all women are created equal.
During my lifetime of public service, I have visited every neighborhood and traveled every street, and I know the value that’s placed on compassion, understanding and inclusiveness. A guiding principle comes from President Abraham Lincoln in his second inaugural address, that ours should be a government with “charity toward all and malice toward none.”
We are all faced with a difficult decision on election day. My concern is that we cast our votes in the best interest and true spirit of one city. We must not galvanize stereotypes that pits one half of the city against the other.
We all must rededicate ourselves to an even greater San Francisco in the future.