SITUATION: Previously, members of the public have been able to make comments remotely at SF Board of Supervisor Committee Meetings.
However, the BOS voted to end remote public comment for everyone—except, we later learned, people with disabilities—who are willing to disclose details of the nature of their disability publicly.
This effectively punishes hundreds, if not thousands, who want to participate remotely in our local government, whether or not they have a disability. Even worse, it will force those who have disabilities to disclose in advance what their special needs are. In order to call in remotely, people living with disabilities—including old age—must seek burdensome “reasonable accommodation” exceptions. Or else they must face the burden of traveling to City Hall to attend in-person meetings.
ACTION: Ask your supervisor to remove the obstacles to remote comments in public meetings—for everyone, especially older women and men, and all people with disabilities.
ALSO: Share this message with friends, family and colleagues in San Francisco.
Click HERE to find the contact information for your SF Supervisor.