What is it?

Proposition E is a Charter Amendment from Aaron Peskin that would create an unelected "Commission Streamlining Task Force" to review, recommend, and implement changes to the City's commissions.

The Task Force would be composed of the City Administrator, the City Controller, the City Attorney, a representative of Organized Labor chosen by the Board of Supervisors, and an individual chosen by the Mayor. It would have until February 1, 2026, to study and implement its changes. It would have the right to modify many commissions unless opposed by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Supervisors. However, the Task Force would not have authority to change any voter-created or Charter commissions.

Prop E is similar to the objective of Prop D, but unlike Prop D it is not guaranteed to make any changes, and cannot change any Charter commissions. If Prop E and Prop D both pass, the measure with more votes will take effect.

Why vote No?

Prop E is a poison pill designed to delay and derail real reform. If you want effective city commissions and accountability, vote No on E and Yes on D.

Here's what Prop E really does:

• Keeps the Status Quo Intact: Prop E doesn't guarantee any changes to streamline government—it maintains the convoluted processes that allow special interests to block reform.
• Prop E is Political Showmanship: Prop E creates a new commission to study why we have so many commissions. It's designed to drag out the process and bury any real reform in red tape.
• Prop E is a Poison-Pill: We think Aaron Peskin introduced Prop E with one goal in mind—to sink Prop D. If Prop E gets more votes than Prop D, then only Prop E passes and Prop D is wiped out.

Prop E is a step backward, not forward. If you care about transparency, accountability, and real reform in city government, vote No on E and Yes on D. Don't let Prop E kill the real changes we need—make your vote count.

How Prop D and Prop E compare

There are two ballot propositions this year focused on city commissions: Prop D and Prop E. They both claim to reduce bureaucracy and reform the broken commission system, but the full story is more nuanced. Prop D enacts immediate reforms and kicks off a 16 month process to streamline city commissions. Prop E, on the other hand, creates a new commission to study the problem and make recommendations, but doesn't actually guarantee any changes.

Here's why you should vote Yes on D and No on E:

Prop D reduces the number of commissions and eliminates red tape: Prop D cuts the current number of city commissions from over 130 to a streamlined 65. This isn't just about numbers—it's about cutting through the bureaucratic red tape that slows down progress. Fewer commissions mean more focus, efficiency, and accountability.

Prop D strengthens commission roles and clarifies authority: Prop D ensures that commissions are restructured to focus on providing valuable advice, while decision-making power is transferred to department heads who are directly accountable to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors. This shift eliminates unnecessary layers of approval and empowers leaders to act swiftly and effectively.

Prop D removes ineffective commissions and focuses on results: Instead of creating another task force to study the problem, Prop D takes decisive action by eliminating redundant and ineffective commissions. It ensures that every remaining commission has a clear, focused mandate, making government more results-driven and less bogged down by unnecessary processes.

Prop D gives the Mayor authority to appoint and remove department heads more efficiently: Prop D allows the Mayor to appoint and remove department heads without the current delays caused by excessive bureaucracy. This change ensures that city leaders can respond quickly and decisively to the needs of the people, making government more responsive and efficient.

Prop D preserves oversight while streamlining operations: While Prop D gives the Police Chief the authority to set rules for officers, it keeps essential oversight functions with the Police Commission. This balance ensures that streamlining doesn't come at the cost of accountability, maintaining necessary checks and balances in our city government.

If you want a government that works for you, vote Yes on D and No on E. Don't let the political gamesmanship of Prop E distract you from the real change that Prop D offers. Prop D is the path to a more accountable, streamlined, and effective city government—make your vote count by supporting Prop D.