San Francisco, a famously liberal city, voted for some surprisingly conservative measures on Tuesday night. Proposition F, which required welfare recipients suspected of drug use to undergo screenings, and Proposition E, which expanded some police surveillance powers and reined in oversight, both passed with 63% and 60% voter support, respectively. These results are another blow to progressive policies in the city, coming on the heels of the recall of the far-left District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2022.
Democratic Mayor London Breed, who is up for re-election this year and had the measures placed on the ballot for voter consideration, expressed delight with the outcome. She told reporters, “It is clear that people want to see changes around public safety. What’s exciting about this for me is I get the kind of tools I need to continue the work we’re doing.”
In a tweet, she added, “Thank you to the voters for passing Prop F to bring more treatment and accountability to San Francisco. This is how we get more people the help they need and change what’s happening in our City.” She also praised Prop E for giving “our officers more tools to do their jobs.”
However, not everyone in San Francisco is happy with the results. Left-wing detractors are concerned that these measures will backfire and reverse progress made on important issues. These critics argue that Proposition F will stigmatize and punish vulnerable populations and that Proposition E will further empower the police force, which has been accused of perpetuating systemic racism and violence.
One San Francisco business owner, Tom Wong, said that stronger support is needed from government officials for local law enforcement. He noted that it is not fair to expect police to tackle crime without the support of the community. “Elected officials have to support local law enforcement,” he said. “It’s not the people.”
Wong also spoke about the political landscape in San Francisco, stating that Mayor Breed’s re-election campaign was a significant factor in motivating her to address drug use and the police force in the city. He added that there is a high probability that she will not win the election.
In response to these measures, Mayor Breed’s spokesman, Joe Arellano, emphasized that they were meant to address pressing issues in the city. Regarding Prop F, Arellano said, “Mayor Breed placed Prop F on the ballot to give San Francisco another tool to get people suffering from addiction into treatment and save lives.” He also added that Prop F will create more accountability and eliminate “drug tourism,” where people come to the city to receive government benefits and purchase illegal drugs.
On Prop E, Arellano stated, “Our current public safety policies are outdated and make it difficult for police officers to chase suspects, even in a felony or violent misdemeanor.” He added that Prop E makes common-sense changes to city rules to enhance public safety. Arellano also acknowledged that the city’s policies may have swung “too far to the left” in the past, but now it is time to send a message that San Francisco will not tolerate crime and theft.
Despite these differing opinions, it seems that San Franciscans are united in their frustration with the current state of public safety in their city. Drug overdose deaths are at an all-time high, and there have been numerous incidents of brazen theft and crime. Mayor Breed’s acknowledgment of these issues and her support for these measures may be a strategic move to win over angry voters and retain her position as mayor.
Only time will tell if these measures will have the intended effect and improve public safety in San Francisco.
