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What Nevius Gets Wrong About Tech and Politics

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Chuck “C.W.” Nevius is imploring tech companies “to get into politics, particularly grassroots politics in cities like Oakland and San Francisco.” But he misses the obvious: the tech industry is and has been deeply involved with local politics, led by Ron Conway (photo).

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Proposition D: Limiting the Mayor’s Power in Filling Vacancies

This Charter amendment would require the mayor to act fast when appointing people to fill vacancies in elected office — but appointments to the Board of Supervisors would be temporary and appointees not be allowed to run in a subsequent election for the remainder of the term.

The supervisors voted 6-5 to put this initiative on the ballot.

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Proposition G: Creating the Department of Police Accountability

This Charter amendment would rename the Office of Citizen Complaints the Department of Police Accountability, which would review use of force and claims of misconduct every two years.

The Board of Supervisors voted 11-0 to put this initiative on the ballot.

Proposition G is linked to Proposition H, which calls for the creation of a “public advocate,” who would have the power to appoint the head of the Department of Police Accountability.

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Proposition K: Raising the City’s Sales Tax

This Charter amendment would raise the city’s sales and use tax by 0.75 percent, to 9.25 percent.

The Board of Supervisors voted 8-3 to put this initiative on the ballot. Voting for: John Avalos, President London Breed, David Campos, Malia Cohen, Mark Farrell, Eric Mar, Katy Tang and Scott Wiener. Voting against: Jane Kim, Aaron Peskin and Norman Yee.

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Proposition N: Enabling Non-Citizen Parents to Vote in School Board Elections

This Charter amendment would allow non-citizen parents, legal guardians and caregivers of children 18 years old or younger who reside in San Francisco to vote for school board candidates. These new voters, who would register with the city’s Department of Elections, would need to be at least 18 years old and not be otherwise disqualified from voting under the California Constitution or state statute.

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Proposition T: Restricting Lobbyist Gifts and Contributions to Politicians

This ordinance would prohibit lobbyists from contributing money to an elected official if they are registered to lobby the official’s agency, and also bar campaign contributions to candidates for those offices. It would also keep them from giving gifts to elected officials or candidates and their family members. The measure would require lobbyists to notify the Ethics Commission before they planned to lobby a government office or make payments to influence legislation or administrative action.

The San Francisco Ethics Commission voted 4-0 to put this measure on the ballot.

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