Your BOMA San Francisco Advocacy Team welcomed Theresa Sparks--who kindly visited us on her lunch break--to BOMA's Government and Public Affairs Committee (GAPAC) on Friday, February 12, 2010 to talk about her current role as Executive Director with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission (HRC), her previous position as president of the San Francisco Police Commission, what issue areas she feels are important as she embarks on her most recent endeavor as a candidate for supervisor in District 6, and much more! The following are the highlights:
About Theresa Sparks
Two prominent local publications profiled Ms. Sparks' story in late 2009. Both captured the essence of who Theresa Sparks is exceptionally well:
- San Francisco Magazine - The life and times of Theresa Sparks
- SFWeekly: Transblazer
San Francisco Human Rights Commission
As Executive Director of the HRC, Ms. Sparks oversees the Commission's work in providing leadership and advocacy to secure, protect and promote human rights for all people. Its broad powers and duties include:
- Mediation and conciliation of intergroup disputes and tensions.
- Enforcement of local anti-discrimination laws and affirmative action monitoring.
- Ensuring compliance by city departments and contractors with the provisions of the Local Business Enterprise Ordinance.
- Implementation of federal and local fair housing protection.
- Development and administration of the city's Hate Violence Reduction Program.
Please click here for more information on the HRC.
Police Commission
From 2004-2009, Ms. Sparks served on the San Francisco Police Commission (SFPC or Commission)--she was elected president in 2007--the body responsible for setting San Francisco Police Department policy; overseeing a $450 million annual budget with a staff of 2500; discipline of officers; and, oversight of the police chief.
Ms. Sparks mentioned a number of accomplishments during her tenure as SFPC president:
- The Commission worked with former Police Chief Heather Fong on "the prevention of violent crimes in San Francisco that included more foot patrols and a 52% drop in the homicide rate."
- The search for a new police chief after Heather Fong's retirement. The commission selected George Gascón, who has been working tirelessly to improve the Department's efficiency and making the city's streets safer.
Candidate for San Francisco Supervisor - District 6
Arguably, Theresa Sparks is one of the most dynamic individuals to grace the local political landscape in San Francisco since Harvey Milk. Ms. Sparks is not only the most prominent transgender political activist in the country, she is a business woman with a proven track record who understands what it means to "sign both sides of the paycheck." Indeed, Ms. Sparks' professional and community experience make her a formidable candidate for San Francisco Supervisor in District 6.
District 6 Issue Areas (please click here for a district map)
- Public Safety
- Ms. Sparks noted her extensive experience in this area through her hard work as President of the SFPC and her close relationship with the San Francisco Police and Fire Department leaders.
- Quality of Life
- Sparks commented that she is a pragmatist with regard to the well-known quality of life challenges in District 6: "San Francisco can't support all of those who need help. The City helps homeless individuals find housing but doesn't enable them to generate income to support themselves."
- Jobs and the Local Economy
- Ms. Sparks stated that District 6 is one of the "economic drivers of the city" and, as such, “would benefit with a supervisor who has both a strong community and business background." Sparks served as a President and CEO of Good Vibrations, a local internet-based novelty company, and several environmental consulting firms. Please click here for a complete list of Ms. Sparks' business experience.
- San Francisco Budget Crisis
- Sparks commented that San Francisco is facing a $500 million deficit for the second time in two years, and the city's economic outlook does not look favorable. "We can't continue a deficit of $500 million going forward," Sparks said "it's just not possible with the amount of money in the General Fund, due in part to voter-approved set-asides and recent devaluations of both residential and commercial property values." Sparks also stated she did not believe voters would approve raising new tax revenues in these current difficult economic times. “We need a more comprehensive financial plan and city supervisors with a strong financial background. I think I fill that requirement."
BOMA San Francisco thanks Theresa Sparks for taking the time to speak to our Government and Public Affairs Committee.
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