Progressives Stick Together to Keep Control of BoardPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Jan. 09‚ 2009There are many theories as to how David Chiu, a freshman Supervisor at his first Board meeting yesterday (and who arguably has the least City Hall experience), got six votes to become Board President. You could explain it as “sometimes, the nice guy finishes first” – as Chiu rose above many personal fights to have no real enemies. Others joked afterwards that it proves that, to be on everyone’s good side among San Francisco progressives, it pays to leave town for a while (Chiu was in Bali for several weeks – while others stayed around to jockey for the position.) All of which is amusing to speculate, but this year’s election of Board President had little to do with David Chiu – and more about keeping progressive unity in the legislative branch during tough fiscal times. It didn’t really matter who won the top spot, just as long as the Left didn’t self-destruct and hand the Board Presidency to the Mayor’s allies. As the Board looks ahead to upcoming fights (including a June special election over the budget), progressives managed to survive another personality death match – giving us hope for 2009. |