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At Tuesday’s board of Supervisors meeting, the supes voted 8-2 to appropriate $50,000 to aid three nations that have recently suffered from natural disasters: Indonesia, Philippines and Samoa. (Here: Download Philippines Samoa Indonesia.)
Supervisors Sean Elsbernd and Carmen Chu voted against the measure, which takes $150,000 from The City’s $25 million dollar General Fund Reserve — that emergency stash that keeps The City’s bond credit rating high.
At the meeting, the measure’s sponsor, Supervisor Chris Daly, explained that San Francisco communities have been affected by the tragedies and promised close oversight of the distribution of the funds, which will go to local aid groups. “Oftentimes we are maligned in the press for talking about international affairs and international issues, but San Francisco is an international city,” Daly said.
When asked if Mistermayor plans to veto the ordinance, Mayoral spokesman Nate Ballard told me that, while he hasn’t discussed the issue with Mayor Newsom, a veto is probable. “Foreign aid is not a primary function of city government,” he said.
Still, with eight votes in favor of the aid package, the supes would likely override that veto.
The Board later unanimously passed a resolution demanding the federal government “end the U.S. military occupation of Afghanistan while providing humanitarian aid to support the recovery of the country from the effects of war.” Actually, that is wrong. The board did not pass the Afghanistan resolution. (pdf. of it here: Download Afghanistan Resolution.) I sincerely apologize for reporting bad information - especially since what actually happened was so much better.
Supervisor Elsbernd continued the item so he could vote against it next week. Here's how he made the motion:
I know the President Is waiting with baited breath to hear what this board is saying, and I hate to ask for a continuance but if we could continue this item one week, I'd appreciate it and I apologize to the President If he's waiting for our decision.
Obama called. He's cool with it.
-Melissa
