San Francisco Supervisors ban preemptive resignation letters for city appointees

In a recent San Francisco County government meeting, a significant ordinance was introduced aimed at preventing the controversial practice of requesting undated resignation letters from individuals seeking appointments to city boards and commissions. Sponsored by Supervisor Preston and supported by several colleagues, this ordinance seeks to establish a clear city policy against such requests, which have raised concerns about undue influence and the undermining of the city’s governance structure.

The ordinance was prompted by revelations from last year when Police Commissioner Max Carter Oberstone exposed that the mayor's office had been soliciting these resignation letters at their discretion. This practice was deemed problematic for several reasons, as highlighted by the city attorney's office. Firstly, it raised concerns about the potential for appointing authorities to exert undue influence over appointees. Secondly, it contradicted the city charter, which mandates that the Board of Supervisors must approve the removal of police commissioners, regardless of the mayor's authority in their appointment.

Moreover, the practice was criticized for undermining the essential role of commissioners, who are expected to provide oversight and guidance to city departments. The ordinance aims to clarify that the decision to resign from a commission should rest solely with the appointee, regardless of any requests from their appointing authority.

By enacting this legislation, the city hopes to prevent future occurrences of such practices and ensure that appointees can operate independently without fear of coercion. The ordinance represents a step towards reinforcing the integrity of city governance and protecting the autonomy of its appointed officials. As discussions continue, the implications of this ordinance could reshape the dynamics of appointments within San Francisco's city bodies, fostering a more transparent and accountable governance structure.