A Neighbors spokesperson said in a statement that the organization fully supports Lurie’s vision for San Francisco.
“The work ahead is too important to allow division to prevent necessary collaboration for the greater good of our city. Speculation about influence and personal power dynamics should not be a meaningful challenge for San Franciscans.” It only distracts from our broader mission of providing solutions.”
The spokesperson said Chen has played a “central role” in Neighbors’ success and has “our organization’s full confidence.”
“We fully support his continued leadership as we move forward,” the statement said.
Just this week, Mr. Chen spoke to movers and shakers in the real estate industry at the City Club, urging the need to elect supervisors in citywide elections rather than district-wide elections. The move is seen as one in the interests of money and is opposed by most progressive Democrats, but Chen later told the Standard that his group has no immediate plans to submit a proposal. he said.
Jane Kim, a progressive who heads the California Working Families Party and served on San Francisco’s city oversight board, said Lurie was a rare type of politician, an insider with ties to city hall. , said that he had never experienced anything that would make him feel indebted to anyone. According to Kim, that means he is not bothered by relationships with groups like neighborhood associations and, unlike other politicians, may be able to achieve policy goals without their help. That’s what it means.
Conversely, Kim said organizations like Neighbors need Lurie’s support.
“If a person’s troubled history or past prevents them from having a seat at the table, then they have to make a choice,” Kim said.
