REINSTATE SHERIFF ROSS MIRKARIMI

LETTER IN SUPPORT OF SHERIFF ROSS MIRKARIMI

We voters of the city of San Francisco and those who seek fairness and justice for its citizens, are sending this letter of concern on behalf of all San Francisco’s residents and families.

Our concerns are the following:

We believe all elected officials should have the right to hold office and represent their people within the law without the impending threat of expulsion by other members of office.

We believe all citizens should be given a fair opportunity to make changes for the betterment of their lives, family and community without their careers being jeopardized as a result.

So, we are writing this letter in support of Sheriff Mirkarimi—San Francisco’s duly elected sheriff who has enjoyed a long, exceptional record of public service involving innumerable significant civic issues. While serving in office, he has spearheaded ground-breaking legislation in support of the environment, drug and gun law reform as well as advocacy for the working class and advocacy for those underserved and underrepresented in the community. Sheriff Mirkarimi has unquestionably been a true visionary for innovative change both in and out of San Francisco.

Recent allegations and a misdemeanor conviction involving the Sheriff and his family have overshadowed his new position and have cast doubts in the eyes of some on the propriety of his service as sheriff. The allegations and subsequent conviction are indeed serious in light of the responsibilities of an elected official and by no means are to be overlooked. However, we believe the circumstances under which Sheriff Mirkarimi has been suspended do not rise to the extreme level of his expulsion from elected office. It is up to the voters of San Francisco to decide whether or not the Sheriff deserves their trust and confidence.

Ms Lopez has spoken on the record in support of her husband. While acknowledging the fight with her husband that led to his misdemeanor conviction, she has clearly stated: “I have never been afraid for my safety in the presence of my husband, or for the safety of my son.” Her statements were made without coercion while having had no contact with her husband for over three months. So, without first hand information to the contrary, we believe it is not the responsibility of the general public or those in office to second guess the statements of Ms. Lopez or to decide the best remedy for her family. The criminal justice system is appropriately running its course, and there has been professional intervention, nothing more is needed.

Sheriff Mirkarimi took office by a public vote of the people, not by appointment. That means any consideration of his removal would have to meet a much higher standard if it were to reverse the will of the San Francisco voters who elected him to office. Under the circumstances, we don’t believe the Sheriff’s domestic dispute rises to that standard where a vote of the people should be altogether overruled. Again, it is up to the voters of San Francisco to decide with whom to put their confidence as sheriff.

Sheriff Mirkarimi brings incredible insight, value and experience to the office of sheriff and to the city of San Francisco. He graduated as class president from the San Francisco police academy and worked in the district attorney’s office for seven years. While city supervisor, he championed legislation that set new standards for other cities to follow—helping to build and maintain San Francisco’s world class, leading edge reputation. We need this leadership for the city. And while he has been convicted of one misdemeanor, he has also taken full responsibility for his actions. Sheriff Mirkarimi has publicly apologized and is doing all that has been asked of him by the courts. What more can we ask of our elected officials?

Domestic violence is an extremely serious matter, and as a result, the City of San Francisco has a rehabilitative process in place of intervention and prevention. Sheriff Mirkarimi has responsibly acknowledged his shortcomings as a parent and husband yet is fully committed to the system for full resolution, and has said as much on more than one occasion. Through his efforts, he is making changes that will make him a better and more informed father, husband and public servant. If improvement were not an option, such programs would not exist. Now we need to let the process take its course without casting our own additional penalties upon those already decided by the courts. Anything else would only compound the existing difficulties facing the Sheriff, his wife and their son, and contribute further to the problem--not to the solution.

We, as members of the community, civil servants, parents, voters of the city of San Francisco and concerned citizens, are signing this letter in support of Ross Mirkarimi’s reinstatement as city and county sheriff—the position to which he was elected by the people. We are further open to any di...