Rules Committee recommends three nominees for Ballot Simplification Committee

Chair Supervisor Matt Dorsey told the Rules Committee on Nov. 13 that the committee was considering three nominees for the Ballot Simplification Committee, the body that prepares digest language and supports the voter information pamphlet under the municipal elections code. Two nominees appeared in person and one submitted a written statement.

Betty Packard — renominated to Seat 2 — told the committee she has served on the panel since 1997 and chaired it since 2004, describing the work as difficult but valuable. Ruth Grace Wong, nominated by the League of Women Voters for Seat 3, introduced herself as a League board member and freelance writer who edits Wikipedia and said she looked forward to collaborative drafting work. Christine Unruh, the Seat 1 nominee, was unable to attend; the chair read her statement describing a career as an editor and teacher and prior service on the committee.

After brief public support for Wong from a League volunteer, Chair Dorsey moved to recommend all three nominees to the full Board of Supervisors. The committee proceeded to a roll-call vote; Vice Chair Shimon Walton, Supervisor Asha Safaee, and Chair Dorsey voted "aye," and the motion passed without objection. The recommendations will go to the full Board as part of the committee report.