BELIEVE IT OR WHAT: Mayoral debate clarity old and tired
12 October 2007
Photo by Roshani Dhungana
Photo by Roshani Dhungana
High point for some progressive audience members arrived when candidate Quintin Mecke, an experienced low-income housing activist backed by Supervisors Chris Daly and Ross Mirkarimi, suggested the mayor agree to more debates.
Moderator Scott Schafer had asked what Mecke would do to make Muni more reliable.
“I think when we look at Muni, look at our situation, we’re a world class City that has quite often a third rate transit system,” began Mecke.
“Unfortunately, though, in 30-seconds it’s rather challening to navigate the nuances of discussing something as large as Muni.”
Next came the hit, the ooh and the ahh, the bouncing on toes, of Mecke political base breadth of savvy.
Quintin Mecke
Photo by Charles Russo
“So what I would put forth to the mayor, and to our other candidates, is that we do this again, I mean it’s three weeks to the election.”
Mecke basked a knowing smile in supporter ‘boy, take that one!‘ reaction.
Yet Mecke gave voters no evidence he has expertise in public transit, much like the few other candidates portraying themselves as serious by maintaining their competence to be mayor is found in a pledge to ask hard questions.
Questions rightly asked by challengers, as these challengers have no answers.
Still, one candidate, in fulsome San Francisco savoir faire, knew exactly who he is and exactly what he is about.
“We’re not a city of zombies, dead, we are a city of intelligent people, intelligent forethought,” candidate John Rinaldi, aka Chicken John, held forth.
Chicken John Rinaldi
Photo by John Russo
Ironically a number of precursor Halloween zombies had gathered outside Koret Auditorium.
Photo by Roshani Dhungana
“I would like you to remember me as your first choice for second place.”
The Sentinel suggests Rinaldi’s request be well received.
And endorses Rinaldi’s implication San Francisco will keep Gavin Newsom in Room 200.
“Look, a number of years ago this City was polarized and paralyzed by either-or choices,” Newsom said.
“I think we’ve moved the City by folks that think things that unite us, not the things that divide us.
Photo by Roshani Dhungana
“I think the best days are ahead for this City and I’ve never been more optimistic about our future as long as we have the courage to continue to tackle the biggest challenges the City faces pragmatically.
“I look forward to your help in a second term.”
See Related: NEWSOM CAMPAIGN
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ROSHANI DHUNGANA
Sentinel Videographer and Photographer
Roshani is a photographer and documentary filmmaker, whose work ranges from commercial photography to social commentary. Email Roshani at roshani.dhungana@gmail.com.
CHARLES RUSSO
Sentinel Photographer
Charles is a writer and photographer living in San Francisco with wife Lela and their two year-old son Angelo. His work has appeared in Planet Magazine, 7×7, Shout, San Francisco Magazine, Morphizm.com, the Point Reyes Light, and the Sentinel. Email Charles at charlierusso23@gmail.com.
PAT MURPHY
Sentinel Editor & Publisher
In his youth, Pat Murphy worked as a General Assignment reporter for the Richmond Independent, the Berkeley Daily Gazette, and the San Francisco Chronicle. He served as Managing Editor of the St. Albans (Vermont) Daily Messenger at age 21. Murphy also launched ValPak couponing in San Francisco, as the company’s first San Francisco franchise owner. He walked the bricks, developing ad strategy for a broad range of restaurants and merchants. Pat knows what works and what doesn’t work. His writing skill has been employed by marketing agencies, including Don Solem & Associates. He has covered San Francisco governance for the past ten years. Pat scribes an offbeat view of the human family through Believe It or What. Email Pat at SanFranciscoSentinel@yahoo.com.
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