S.F.'s Squid Game District 4 selection process is weird, game show-like and bad politics

The selection process for a new District 4 Supervisor in San Francisco, led by Mayor Daniel Lurie, has been criticized for its game show-like format. Lurie’s team initially tested a pseudonymous candidate's appeal before appointing Beya Alcaraz, whose background raised immediate red flags. Alcaraz's past included troubling revelations regarding her former pet shop and questionable financial practices. Candidates engaged in public assignments to demonstrate their capability, but one finalist was disqualified after missing multiple elections. This unusual approach has led to speculation that it might strengthen progressive contenders like Natalie Gee, who could emerge as a formidable opponent.

Historical context illustrates that District 4 has a fraught political history, with prior supervisors facing imprisonment for serious offenses. Observers suggest that Lurie's selection process may inadvertently undermine his objectives, as it has not effectively identified a strong candidate to counter progressive challenges. As the announcement of the new supervisor approaches, the implications of this process for local politics remain profound.