I find it very peculiar that in the last few months of Munson’s administration the city is trying to ram this plan thru. It is no secret, that no matter who is on the next council or sitting in the Mayor’s chair several department heads may be losing their jobs. Is this why they want to implement this before the Spring elections? I’m not sure. The current plan is effective until 2015. Don’t get me wrong, this is an important plan that needs to be implemented, but I feel it should be voted on by the next council and mayor at the end of 2010 after they thoroughly review it. I don’t think this city can afford to implement any more of Munson’s administration’s plans. Several councilors seem to be concerned that the next council and mayor may be too green. Councilor Beninga went as far as trying to extend some of the terms so that we wouldn’t have half of the council changing in 2010, claiming that it takes awhile for a new councilor to learn the ropes. I partially agree with him, but it depends on who that councilor is and their knowledge of city government. It would be like comparing Pat Costello to Gregg Jamison, both new councilors, but I feel Pat has grasped his job responsibilities a lot faster then Gregg has. Yes, change is scary, but it can also be a good thing. I believe the recession will last thru the end of 2010 in SF, and from all signs, it will get worse before it gets better. We need fresh ideas and a new perspective, and I think those new perspectives should be included in Shape SF 2035.
There is a public input meeting September 15 at 3 PM.