Newsom Filibuster Becomes a Train WreckPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Mar. 27‚ 2007As he continues to snub the voters on Question Time, Mayor Gavin Newsom held a Town Hall forum last night in the Mission District – where the chosen topic was the City’s Health Access Plan. While the event was a staged filibuster – with the only “dialogue” being between Newsom and Public Health Director Mitch Katz – activists from PODER heckled the Mayor on affordable housing, immigration raids and the City’s proposal to move the Day Laborer program. But Newsom seemed to hold the high ground for much of the meeting, as the constant heckling grew repetitious and tiring. However, the tables were turned when Mission resident Valerie Tulier scolded the crowd for being disrespectful – and then criticized the Mayor for holding a “Town Hall lecture.” At that point, there was no reason to listen to the rest of the Forum. Its credibility was ruined, and the chanting escalated. |