Proposition C | californiachoices.org

My vote

Would amend the Charter to create a new position of Inspector General in the Controller’s Office to review and investigate complaints of fraud, waste and abuse. The Controller would appoint the Inspector General, subject to the approval of the Mayor and Board of Supervisors. The Controller would supervise and could terminate the Inspector General. Prop C is a Charter Amendment that requires 50%+1 affirmative votes to pass.

Fiscal Impact: The proposed amendment would cost approximately $725,000 to $775,000 annually for an Inspector General and two staff positions within the City Services Auditor. Additionally, one-time office setup costs may cost between approximately $125,000 and $175,000.

Next San Francisco County Measure: Measure D

See Endorsements for Proposition C

Details

Pro/Con

Pro:

Supporters argue that in the past decades, the FBI has led the way in uncovering San Francisco's corruption, leading to more than two dozen arrests, indictments, and convictions of top department heads, elected officials, non-profit leaders and corporate lobbyists. Yet this may just be the tip of the iceberg. To create a more effective, accountable government, voters can approve the Inspector General Charter Amendment. This will establish our own Inspector General with the power to investigate and bring to justice complaints of waste, fraud, and abuse.

A YES vote on this measure means: you want to create the new position of Inspector General in the Controller’s Office to review and investigate complaints of fraud, waste and abuse, and grant the Controller’s Office the power to issue subpoenas and execute search warrants when permitted by State law.

Con:

Opponents argue that Proposition C is a power grab disguised as reform. The charter amendment installs an unelected Inspector General in the Controller's Office to "investigate corruption." But let's be clear-this is more bureaucracy. San Francisco doesn't need unelected officials with unchecked power. We need accountability from leaders we already have - not a figurehead who doesn't answer to voters.

A NO vote on this measure means: you do not want to make these changes.

In Depth

Prop C would amend the Charter to create a new position of Inspector General in the Controller’s Office to review and investigate complaints of fraud, waste and abuse. The Controller would appoint the Inspector General, subject to the approval of the Mayor and Board of Supervisors. The Controller would supervise and could terminate the Inspector General. The Inspector General would consult with the Ethics Commission, City Attorney, District Attorney and Department of Human Resources regarding those departments’ investigations involving fraud, waste or abuse. The Inspector General could either refer specific matters to those departments, could investigate those matters in coordination with the relevant department, or could conduct its own investigation. At least twice a year, the Inspector General would be required to issue public reports on its activities and the outcomes of all investigations by other city agencies into matters concerning public integrity.

Proposition C would give the Controller power to issue subpoenas to third parties, including contractors, permittees and lobbyists. It would also allow the Inspector General, the Controller and employees of the Controller’s Office to execute search warrants when permitted by State law.

Under Proposition C, the Sheriff’s Department Office of Inspector General would be renamed the “Office of Sheriff’s Inspector General.”

Source: Final Digest - Inspector General

Voter Resources

City and County of San Francisco Office of Elections