Another Dirty Trick from Newsom

I was witness to a disturbing site on Sunday, December 7, while driving along Divisadero Street. A San Francisco Police Department motorcade stopped traffic to allow a few dozen SUVs and vans to cross Golden Gate Avenue going east. Many of these vehicles bore large "Newsom" campaign signs.

It turns out that this caravan was picking up residents of the Western Addition from their churches and escorting them directly to City Hall where they would cast their votes for mayor.

As has been reported, Supervisor Newsom has made great inroads into the black churches of San Francisco with the aid of Mayor Brown, the Reverend Cecil Williams and other leaders of that community. Newsom has addressed congregations directly during Sunday services.

I am a proponent of "getting out the vote," but since when does the SFPD work for Gavin Newsom's campaign by providing an official motorcade? There may also be a manipulative and intimidating element when one's pastor--along with armed police officers--urge you to hop in van and vote for Newsom.

I plan to file a complaint with the Elections Department.