Inconclusive list of legislation and policy.
During my five years as Supervisor for the City and
County of San Francisco, here are some of the things
I've done:
- Substance users. Directed the City's Health
Department to institute a program allowing private
physicians to dispense methadone and expanded
other treatment-on-demand services for substance
users.
- SRO Hotels. Improved habitability of SRO Hotels by,
among other things, requiring installation of fire
sprinkler systems in buildings with 20 or more units.
- Environmental responsibility. Banned the City from
buying gas with MTBE for its fleet vehicles; restricted jet
ski use within 1200 feet of the SF shoreline; promoted
alternative fuel including obtaining funding for the City's
first CNG taxis; urged federal regulatory agencies to
more strictly control genetically modified foods; and
urged Cadbury, Coca Cola, Schwepps, and Pepsi Co.
to make good their promises to use recycled plastic in
their products. (On a personal note, I drive an electric
car.)
- Supporting arts and non-profits. Among other
accomplishments, I helped to negotiate a $750,000
settlement for musicians displaced by their landlord at
the Downtown Rehearsal space.
- Fighting AIDS. Initiated AIDS license plate which was
signed into law by the State Legislature to raise money
for AIDS research and to promote awareness of this
pandemic.
- Reducing tobacco's harm. Authored most restrictive
ban on outdoor tobacco advertising in the entire
country. Successfully called for City's Retirement Board
to divest holdings in tobacco companies.
- Public transit. Reformed Muni by sponsoring the
successfully passed Muni Charter Amendment setting
on-time performance measures, merging Muni with
DPT, creating the Municipal Transportation Authority,
and redefining the City's Transit-first Policy. Created
the Taxi Commission, which adopted the oversight
formerly vested in the Police Commission. Sponsored
free Muni on New Years for the past five years to
discourage drinking and driving.
- Reinventing government. Sponsored the successful
Customer Service ballot measure requiring all City
departments to establish plans to provide efficient,
convenient, helpful service to those who require City
services.
- Parkland planning. Sponsored $110 million
neighborhood parks bond initiative; also extended open
space funding for 30 years.
In addition to this list, I have authored hundreds of more
understated pieces of legislation which meant a lot to
particular neighborhoods. For instance, I have been
responsible for the City's installing more than a dozen
stop signs in various neighborhoods. I hope to
continue making a difference in the quality of life for San
Franciscans. Please see my web site:
http://www.gavinnewsom.com for a more detailed list.
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