San Francisco Bay Guardian Endorses Ross Mirkarimi for Sheriff

By Darius Shahinfar

 

San Francisco, CA, October 6, 2011 – With just little over a month away from Election Day, two successful Iranian American candidates in San Francisco continue to gain momentum with new endorsements and high praise.   

 

In addition to an extensive list of elected, labor, and community endorsements, San Francisco Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi’s campaign for Sheriff picked up a key endorsement from the San Francisco Bay Guardian, an influential newspaper launched in 1966 and known for reporting, celebrating, and promoting progressive issues. 

 

The paper strongly endorsed Mirkarimi based on his support from outgoing Sheriff Mike Hennessey, and his background as a trained Police Officer, an Investigator for the District Attorney, and as an elected Supervisor with a deep commitment to public safety.  The paper noted that Mirkarimi’s commitment to public safety is not just from a law enforcement standpoint, but from a crime prevention aspect as well.  

 

“When he took office in 2005, District Five … was plagued with violent crime.  He personally appeared at every homicide scene, pushed for more police on the streets and for foot patrols and worked to organize the community around crime — and it worked.  The murder rate dropped dramatically.”

 

Significantly, the Guardian withheld a recommendation to vote for any other candidate in this race where voters may cast ballots for 2nd and 3rd choices as well.

 

Sharmin Bock, meanwhile, continues to impress San Franciscans with her credentials and campaign in a crowded field for District Attorney.  The Guardian also recommended that San Franciscans vote for her, calling her an “experienced prosecutor” and “independent”, noting her work on behalf of women victimized by crime and her prosecution of rogue elements in law enforcement.  Additionally, the Chronicle praised her lengthy experience, calling her a “hard-charging … prosecutor”.

 

Bock, a 22-year veteran of the Alameda County District Attorney’s office, is endorsed by Congresswoman Jackie Speier, many state and local elected officials, the National Women’s Political Caucus, and an extensive coalition of political, labor, and community leaders.

 

IAPAC’s analysis of the District Attorney Race points to an unusual opportunity for Bock, a first-time candidate, running as an independent against the appointed incumbent.  San Francisco election law allows voters to select multiple candidates on Election Day, allowing candidates who are the 2nd or 3rd choices of voters the possibility of being elected if no candidate has a majority of 1st choice votes.  As the only woman in this race, this voting system could tilt the electoral field heavily in her favor.

 

Both Mirkarimi and Bock were endorsed and supported by the Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), the connected PAC of PAAIA.  IAPAC supports and promotes the election of candidates for federal, state, and local office, regardless of party affiliation, who are attuned to the domestic needs of the of the Iranian American community.  IAPAC also encourages Iranian Americans to actively participate in the American electoral process and supports Iranian American candidates for public office.