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topicnews · October 23, 2024

Watch: Get the scoop on the mayoral race and allegations of political corruption

Watch: Get the scoop on the mayoral race and allegations of political corruption

Election season is in full swing across the country, and in San Francisco, mayoral candidates are battling corruption allegations against themselves and their staff. Watch our reporter Andrew Brobst break down the history of corruption in San Francisco’s government and how that legacy continues today.

Stay tuned for more as this four-part series takes a ride through the choppy waters of political corruption in San Francisco and its impact on this year’s mayoral election.

Part 1: A Brief History of Corruption

Transcript: I’m Andrew Brobst from 48 Hills, bringing you the latest on the San Francisco mayoral race. Today we delve into the murky waters of political corruption that could impact the election in a few weeks.

San Francisco has a long history of corruption scandals that have shaken public trust. Willie Brown, a political powerhouse, filled City Hall with loyalists, sparking an outcry, but the practice continues to this day.

“Earlier this year, Kyra Worthy and SF Safe, a nonprofit organization that works with the SFPD, allegedly mismanaged over half a million dollars in funding, resulting in 34 felony charges.”

Remember Mohammed Nuru? As head of the Public Works Department, he was involved in bribery and fraud. His connections ran deep into city politics, including with current mayor and candidate London Breed.

When corruption goes unchecked, distrust of the government arises. Candidates Aaron Peskin, Ahsha Safai and especially Mark Farrell (whose past isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, more on that later) keep pointing out corruption in London Breed’s administration.

As the election approaches, it is crucial to examine the candidates’ ties and history. Could these connections influence policies and decisions if elected?

Part 2: Look at the candidates

Transcript: In the first part we talked about the shady dealings of City Hall’s past, but today we turn our attention to the candidates currently being considered.

I’m Andrew Brobst from 48 Hills, back with part two of our ongoing series on corruption allegations in San Francisco’s 2024 mayoral race.

First up: Mark Farrell. While he points the finger at London Breed, Farrell himself is under fire for spending thousands of taxpayer dollars on lavish dinners and even receiving a record fine from the Ethics Commission. From food and drink to questionable relationships with Recology executives, shadow begets shadow.

Speaking of London Breed, two of its highest-ranking department heads are in federal prison, a senior administration official has resigned following a corruption scandal, and the head of the Human Rights Commission has resigned after approving $1.5 million in contracts. Now tell me: What did the mayor know and when did she know it?

And what about the other candidates?

Aaron Peskin is pushing for Prop C to create a new city watchdog.

Ahsha Safai has high-profile ties to real estate developers that are cause for concern, especially given San Francisco’s contentious real estate policy and Daniel Lurie acting as an “anti-corruption” outsider, but given his family’s wealth and connections, we wonder whether this is so He is actually as far removed from the political machine as he claims.

Where does this lead us? Election Day is getting closer and closer and it’s no longer just about politics, but also about ethics.

In part three, we’ll delve deeper into the specifics of two main candidates: London Breed and Mark Ferrell. Stay tuned!

Follow @48hillssf on Instagram for more video reports.

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