San Francisco voters take a strong stance against crime and public disorder
San Francisco experienced a significant shift on Tuesday with voters rebelling against progressive policies, particularly on public safety and other issues. This backlash led to the passage of four ballot proposals aimed at restoring common sense in policing, welfare benefits, government ethics, and education.
In response to the “doom loop” downward spiral, the measures included setting a minimum size for police staffing, allowing police to chase suspects without an immediate threat to public safety, permitting the use of facial recognition technology in public safety cameras, and enforcing drug testing for those receiving city assistance.
Additionally, the new rules tighten regulations on accepting gifts for city employees and guarantee the offering of Algebra I in 8th grade, overturning a previous ban in the name of racial equity with overwhelming voter support.
This follows previous efforts by voters to remove progressive figures like District Attorney Chesa Boudin and school board members in San Francisco.
Notably, Mayor London Breed, who once supported defunding the police, backed measures empowering law enforcement and implementing drug testing, both of which received strong support from voters.
Despite remaining a liberal city, San Francisco is now pushing back against progressive overreach.
In explaining her shift in stance on drug abuse, Breed stated, “Harm reduction from my perspective is not reducing the harm.”
Perhaps New York City can learn from this approach and implement similar measures to address key issues in a more sensible manner.
Mayor Adams could consider allowing public voting on controversial policies, such as modifying New York’s “sanctuary city” stance to enhance collaboration between law enforcement and immigration authorities.
The voter revolt in San Francisco demonstrates a widespread desire to address crime, public disorder, and other issues with a common-sense approach, despite continued influence from progressive factions in lower-level elections.
If San Francisco can challenge self-destructive woke policies, New York can follow suit as well.
