The SEIU 1021, by far San Francisco’s largest union, has voted to endorse Aaron Peskin for mayor — and only Aaron Peskin.
The outcome of the lengthy process was revealed to union members and candidates over the weekend. More than two-thirds of the union’s voting members chose to sole-endorse Peskin, Mission Local has learned.
The Service Employees International Union No. 1021 represents some 16,000 San Francisco workers and more than 60,000 across Northern California. The union has a long history of putting both money and volunteers toward its preferred political causes.
“It’s a big shot in the arm, and very heartening,” said Peskin. “Obviously, we hope it will influence a lot of other unions in San Francisco, and will result in more volunteers for our campaign.”
The sole Peskin endorsement is a disappointment for mayoral candidate Ahsha Safaí; the labor stalwart introduced a ballot measure aimed at improving recruitment and retention of unionized 911 operators and nurses by bolstering their pension benefits. It is also a suboptimal outcome for Mayor London Breed, who engineered labor peace during her re-election bid by cutting generous union deals while the city faces a deep deficit.
“She gave them what they wanted,” said a veteran city political operative. “They did not give her what she wanted.”
The SEIU endorsed Jane Kim as its No. 1 for mayor in 2018, with London Breed ranked No. 2 and Mark Leno ranked No. 3. The sole endorsement this year, however, greatly simplifies the union’s ability to potentially put money into an independent expenditure campaign. David Canham, SEIU 1021’s executive director, said the decision on how to invest in potentially backing the union’s chosen candidate is a discussion that is forthcoming.
The SEIU 1021 is the largest and most well-resourced union with the constellation of this city’s labor council. But labor observers felt that it would be unlikely for all of labor to unite behind Peskin, even with SEIU backing. The Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents 27 local unions in those fields, has endorsed Safaí and Mark Farrell, and would likely block any such efforts.
“Mayor Breed and Supervisor Safaí have had a good relationship with SEIU,” said Peskin. “So I was pleased they acknowledged the fact I’ve been with them since Day One.”
>> “She gave them what they wanted,” said a veteran city political operative. “They did not give her what she wanted.”
That is a great quote.
Also: LOL
This news comes as Peskin is apparently trying to waive rules to put a mandatory cop staffing charter amendment on the ballot, which would tank the City’s budget with disastrous effects on many workers represented by 1021. Hopefully they’ll reconsider their endorsement.
That’s per Supervisor Ronen’s Instagram, where she announced she’s resigning chairwomanship of Rules Committee over Peskin’s maneuvers: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9f52NLSInt/
Scott —
It’s in the paper!
https://missionlocal.org/2024/07/hillary-ronen-quits-committee-chair-in-rebuke-to-aaron-peskin/
JE
I’m surprised they didn’t put Asha as a 2nd choice, seems like the smart thing to do, despite his past moderate views and policies he has been becoming more left leaning to appeal to center left voters who can agree that the police need full funding, but also think the they should have oversight to make sure that no more innocent people of color are beaten and killed by racist police officers.
Peskin voted for The United Irish Cultural Center to be demolished.There is no information where the $74 million is coming from to build a Cultural Center on 45/ Wawoma as the new entertainment center will be called.The slate and glass building is not in compliance with the Coastal Act requiring buildings to be of the same architecture as the surrounding neighborhood. The building will be a private members club with space for 800 people for rental events. Only about 56 parking spots .An underground swimming pool and underground parking 4 blocks from the beach and across from the Zoo is in the advertised plans.There is an underground stream in the zoo.There are no building inspections of the 4 small apartment buildings, motel cafe and pizza place available or known to have happened.The new entertainment will be built to the rear property line.I guess voyeurs will have fun looking into the bedrooms of the apartment dwellers.Street parking will be lost for loading zones and access to their private parking lot.Do not forget about the Pandas.The noise and traffic from large construction vehicles will disturb their need for quiet and a calm environment. Does the Chinese government know about this?Does the Chinese government know about the possibility of the Great Highway being closed to cars? Smart move Aaron with 1 million visitors projected to visit.
>> Does the Chinese government know about the possibility of the Great Highway being closed to cars?
It was a tough call between the above and “voyeurs will have fun looking into the bedrooms of the apartment dwellers” but either way you have captivated me with your bizarre comment. Kudos.