Recalls now a thing we live with, political insiders say at Mission Local event

The recall campaign against Supervisor Joel Engardio highlights a significant disconnect between him and his constituents in District 4, particularly regarding his support for Proposition K, which transformed the Great Highway into a park. Political consultant Jim Ross emphasized that many residents in the Sunset area prefer easier access to driving and parking, contrasting with the city's transit-first policy. Voters mobilized to recall Engardio after feeling misled about his support for keeping the Great Highway open during weekdays. On May 21, recall supporters submitted nearly 11,000 signatures, prompting a special election on September 16. Despite raising $667,000, Engardio faces serious challenges as the recall campaign has amassed $161,000.

The panelists discussed the growing trend of recalls in San Francisco, noting the influence of substantial financial contributions from the tech sector. They suggested that anger among voters, stemming from feelings of betrayal, often fuels these movements. The recall effort appears to be driven largely by grassroots volunteers engaging with fellow constituents.