The upcoming November election will have significant consequences both locally and nationally, especially considering everything that’s happened in the city over the past six years. The races for Mayor and Board of Supervisors will play a major role in shaping the future of San Francisco, along with several ballot propositions. These decisions will impact the members of the SFPOA in various ways. Even the presidential election holds the potential to influence our city and state for years to come.
In recent previous elections, much smaller changes have positively affected our ability to do our jobs. We now have a District Attorney who is working with us to hold individuals accountable. The department is also collaborating with the Sheriff, as well as local and federal agencies, to address the crisis on our streets in terms of drug sales and usage. While it’s not perfect, things are moving in the right direction. We can debate the pace, but progress is happening. The voters approved our use of advanced technology that are a game changer in helping us catch criminals in the act. We are hopeful that the city’s image will improve, not only with our residents, but also with those that want to visit. There’s still more work to do, and the city’s leaders must prioritize anything that enhances the ability of our officers to do their jobs effectively. Crime is one of the leading concerns for voters. Failing to do so is a disservice to all who live, work, and visit here.
We may not all agree on who will lead us through these challenges, but we know meaningful changes are necessary, and no community should be left behind. Governing a city like San Francisco requires connecting with people from all walks of life, not just those you’re comfortable with. Everyone has struggles, and the question is whether anyone can rise to be the leader this city needs—someone capable of guiding both the city and its people to better days. It’s a monumental task, not for the faint of heart. It involves constant scrutiny, accountability when things go wrong, and an unwavering commitment to making things right. But true leadership also requires introspection and the willingness to initiate change and most importantly, own up to the past and move forward to the future. San Francisco has been through its toughest times; now it’s time to work toward its best.
That’s why the POA has endorsed Mayor London Breed. I don’t have to agree with everything someone does to believe in their ability to get the job done. Disagreement doesn’t mean division—it means we’re discussing ways to find common ground and, most importantly, that we’re all fighting to get it right. Even if we fall short, we’ll pick ourselves back up and keep pushing forward. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel to improve ourselves, and our Mayor may find that simple things that worked before can work again. What once seemed outdated may never have been; perhaps it just needed a little dusting off, a hand up, and a breath of fresh air.
