Rules Committee recommends Yaman Salahi for Ethics Commission seat

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors Rules Committee on Monday voted unanimously to recommend Yaman Salahi for Seat No. 1 of the Ethics Commission and forwarded his nomination to the full Board. Chair Supervisor Matt Dorsey made the motion and Vice Chair Shimon Walton and Supervisor Asha Safaie voted in favor.

Salahi, who appeared in person, told the committee he has spent 11 years representing individuals and public entities in litigation and described prior work at the Asian Law Caucus and as co-counsel with the Veterans Legal Services Clinic. He emphasized a commitment to prompt case reviews and clearing backlogs, saying he would work toward “completing a preliminary review of every complaint within 90 days” and to bring “the temperament and impartiality” required for the commission’s quasi‑judicial duties.

Several in-person and remote public commenters endorsed Salahi’s candidacy, citing his work with immigrant communities and labor organizations. A number of callers and members of the long-time watchdog group Friends of Ethics urged reappointment of Larry Bush, who has served on the commission in an interim capacity and detailed concerns about declining public participation and the lack of a permanent commission secretary during his remarks.

Supervisor Asha Safaie told the committee the commission needs members “of the highest integrity” to restore public trust amid recent high-profile corruption cases and with the commission operating under an interim executive director. Chair Dorsey said the committee’s due diligence had led it to a decision after earlier continuances; the roll call recorded Walton, Safaie and Dorsey voting “Aye.”

The nomination will go to the full Board of Supervisors for confirmation on the Board’s consent calendar unless members request further review.