This is a memorandum from a former long-time attorney for public defender Jeff Adachi, who is critical of her boss, but contains insightful information that the Argonaut thinks is important for readers considering voting for Adachi in his opportunistic run for mayor.

Public Campaign Finance:  He’s not taking public money because he doesn’t have to.  His Prop D (Pension Tsunami “Reform”) permits him to accept money without any accountability, while accusing Ed Lee of taking donations from corporations and special interests — so much for transparency.  Prop D funds have been traced to the Koch Brothers.

Very critical of the SF Democratic “Machine,” which he says he beat:  John Burton & Willie Brown.  Irony is that Brown was with him for the initial Prop B Pension Reform…they both crossed Local 2 picket line.  I found the video.  Not a close call.  His platform says his parents taught him to stand up for what’s right (with a picture of Japanese-Americans behind barbed wire internment camps).  He has refused to state a position about crossing picket lines, collective bargaining, or negotiating with all parties in good faith, generally.  In KALW interview, says he’s for social justice, fair treatment and a defender for all the people to give them a voice in government.

Pensions:  Refused to negotiate at all, let alone in good faith, because he was “unsatisfied” with compromise.  Claims that other candidates refused to speak up (except Lee, who was criticized for bringing all players to the table). Particularly critical of police and firefighter pay and benefits whithout a clear understanding of dedicated career working-class public servants.  Whines that he was booted from a firefighter’s funeral, who died in the line of duty.  Hence would never see his pension.  The firefighter’s brother, SFPD officer, asked that he leave.  He refused b/c he was part of the elected city family. Now Adachi calls this a “cowardly act” perpetrated by the Union leaders, rather than respect for the dead family’s wishes.  The ultimate irony is he pays nothing for his pension and is on target to get one of those pensions he’s complaining about.  Haven’t heard him renounce it yet.

Was particularly callous towards working, voting, taxpaying San Franciscans who would bear the brunt of the changes.  (My healthcare insurance would have risen from $700/month to $1200/month.)  SFGH employees were especially angry and mobilized.  He told us that if it was too expensive, then switch to Kaiser.  Yet, in a KALW interview he claimed “as mayor, you work with everyone,” — once you have all the power money can buy.

Public Education and Parks: This platitude is rich:  he is concerned that summer school has been cancelled twice and blames pension obligations.  Ironic coming from a public official who has no clue what it takes to raise a child in the public sector on a public employee’s salary.  His child goes to a ritzy private school, Nueva, which costs at least $30K per year.

Pension oblications are also depriving SF of city gardeners.  (My uncle, Peter Sullivan, was a lifelong employee/horticulturalist of the Arboretum.)  , all services SF can’t afford can be traced to pension obligations, according to Adachi.

Realignment — AB 109
The US Supreme Court ordered the State to reduce our prison population based on violations of the 8th Amendment right to be free of cruel and unusual treatment.  The decision took the rare step of including pictures of the human degradation.  Adachi is the elected Public Defender, and has absolutely no position or plan for integrating this population into the community.  Realignment not only changes who comes back to the county of commitment, but who can be commited to the CDC in the future and for how long.

This case was decided last year.  Criminal justice officials have known for quite some time it was coming.  Only Chris Cunnie has addressed this issue and understands its impact on our community — both in terms of safety and sustainable rehabilitation.  Done well, we can prevent children from being placed in foster care, and save money  myrad ways.  Yet, Adachi has failed to even address the issue, whcih directly affects the work that public defenders do every day.  Instead of being on the cutting edge of positive change in cost-savings, Adachi is blaming public pension obligations for costs expenses.  From a cost-benefit analysis, this approach makes no sense.  From a social justice perspective, the blame game with solutions on the table distills the outrage I feel as a single mother raising a 6th generation of San Franciscans.  Do your damn job!

Adachi’s Record: Gonzalez’s video asks “how large the patronage class will be.”  Those who work for elected politicians at will have no voice. No one in the PD’s office could oppose Adachi without significant adverse consequences.  Folks feel pressure to “volunteer” their time.  Those that do in his inner circle are financially rewardth, even without merit.  Many in the PD office work in the political sphere.  Teresa Cafesse, Chief Attorney for 8 years is suddenly out, replaced by Matt Gonzalez, a seasoned Texas politician who spends his time pursuing political office for himself or Adachi.   Neither Jeff nor Matt have been present since they filed papers to run for mayor.  Adachi has been planning/intending to run since they put Prop B on the ballot last year.  Worth investingating Adachi’s relationship with the Civil Grand Jury identifying his platform components.

Adachi prides himself as a liberal politician who took on labor.  Many who work for him see him as a hypocrite and liar.  He asked us to take extra pay cuts and furloughs so no one would lose a job.  Several people were subsequently fired.  And he petitioned and received money for extra positions afterward rather than give to those that sacrificed.  Many felt duped.  For myself, I don’t want him to be dogcatcher.  I love dogs!