The Mayor’s Race: Separating the Wheat from the ChaffPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Aug. 20‚ 2007The Chronicle – and the rest of the media – had a field day mocking the minor candidates for Mayor as they gathered at an August 17th forum sans Gavin Newsom. And who can blame them? With candidates like Grasshopper Alec Kaplan, nudist George Davis, and Wilma Pang (who used her allotted time to sing “Blowin’ in the Wind” with the wrong lyrics), it’s easy to dismiss the Mayor’s opponents as a bunch of cranks. But for the San Franciscan who wishes to cast a meaningful protest vote in November, Friday’s forum was a chance to assess which minor candidates have a compelling message that could gather support. And three candidates – Tony Hall, Dr. Ahimsa Sumchai, and Quintin Mecke – are talking about serious issues in their campaign that could enhance the public dialogue this fall. None of them have a legitimate chance of winning, but it would be good for the City to have their voices heard. |