Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Gabe Greschler

Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell is set to pay the largest settlement in San Francisco Ethics Commission history for alleged election-season misdeeds.

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Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell is set to pay the largest settlement in San Francisco Ethics Commission history for alleged election-season misdeeds.

Farrell will pay $108,179 in a settlement over campaign finance snafus the ethics commission called “significant” violations of the law.

Farrell will pay $108,179 in a settlement over campaign finance snafus the ethics commission called “significant” violations of the law.

The commission alleges Farrell double-dipped, taking $93,000 in contributions from a PAC in his name supporting Proposition D, a ballot measure to cut city commissions, and giving them to his own campaign. PACs are allowed to rake in donations of unlimited amounts, whereas campaign committees are limited to $500 donations. The Standard’s chairman, Michael Moritz, has given money to Farrell’s Prop. D committee, the PAC in question.

The commission alleges Farrell double-dipped, taking $93,000 in contributions from a PAC in his name supporting Proposition D, a ballot measure to cut city commissions, and giving them to his own campaign. PACs are allowed to rake in donations of unlimited amounts, whereas campaign committees are limited to $500 donations. The Standard’s chairman, Michael Moritz, has given money to Farrell’s Prop. D committee, the PAC in question.

Farrell&#8217;s own campaign and the Prop. D committee are restricted in how they can exchange resources, and the ethics commission accused the groups of illegally commingling funds — a major campaign no-no. Olabisi Matthews, the Ethics Commission enforcement director, said Farrell <a href="https://sfethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024.11.08-Agenda-Item-6-24-817-Farrell-Herrera-and-Committees-Final-Setttlement-Agreement-Signed.pdf">violated ethics laws</a> eight separate times.

Farrell's own campaign and the Prop. D committee are restricted in how they can exchange resources, and the ethics commission accused the groups of illegally commingling funds — a major campaign no-no. Olabisi Matthews, the Ethics Commission enforcement director, said Farrell <a href="https://sfethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024.11.08-Agenda-Item-6-24-817-Farrell-Herrera-and-Committees-Final-Setttlement-Agreement-Signed.pdf">violated ethics laws</a> eight separate times.

Farrell&#8217;s own campaign and the Prop. D committee are restricted in how they can exchange resources, and the ethics commission accused the groups of illegally commingling funds — a major campaign no-no. Olabisi Matthews, the Ethics Commission enforcement director, said Farrell <a href="https://sfethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024.11.08-Agenda-Item-6-24-817-Farrell-Herrera-and-Committees-Final-Setttlement-Agreement-Signed.pdf">violated ethics laws</a> eight separate times.

&#8220;If approved, this case represents the largest penalty issued in the history of the San Francisco Ethics Commission,&#8221; Matthews said in a statement. &#8220;This record penalty reflects the serious harm that was done to the public’s right to have timely and accurate information about how campaigns are funded in San Francisco. It also reflects the severity of violating the $500 contribution limit, which is one of the most basic rules that all candidates have to follow.&#8221;

"If approved, this case represents the largest penalty issued in the history of the San Francisco Ethics Commission," Matthews said in a statement. "This record penalty reflects the serious harm that was done to the public’s right to have timely and accurate information about how campaigns are funded in San Francisco. It also reflects the severity of violating the $500 contribution limit, which is one of the most basic rules that all candidates have to follow."

&#8220;If approved, this case represents the largest penalty issued in the history of the San Francisco Ethics Commission,&#8221; Matthews said in a statement. &#8220;This record penalty reflects the serious harm that was done to the public’s right to have timely and accurate information about how campaigns are funded in San Francisco. It also reflects the severity of violating the $500 contribution limit, which is one of the most basic rules that all candidates have to follow.&#8221;

Some of the allegedly improper contributions were already refunded by Farrell&#8217;s campaign, the Ethics Commission noted.

Some of the allegedly improper contributions were already refunded by Farrell's campaign, the Ethics Commission noted.

Some of the allegedly improper contributions were already refunded by Farrell&#8217;s campaign, the Ethics Commission noted.

The settlement follows a series of reports suggesting that Farrell&#8217;s campaign ran afoul of campaign finance rules this election season. Farrell&#8217;s competitors and news agencies dug up substantial allegations against him and his campaign, including that he inappropriately asked Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/19/mark-farrell-home-permits-san-francisco/">to speed up home renovation permits</a>, that he failed to disclose a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/mark-farrell-loan-disclosure-house-19808908.php">$675,000 home loan in campaign documents</a>, and that high-level staffers at PACs <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">were improperly helping his campaign</a>.

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The settlement follows a series of reports suggesting that Farrell's campaign ran afoul of campaign finance rules this election season. Farrell's competitors and news agencies dug up substantial allegations against him and his campaign, including that he inappropriately asked Mayor London Breed's office <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/19/mark-farrell-home-permits-san-francisco/">to speed up home renovation permits</a>, that he failed to disclose a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/mark-farrell-loan-disclosure-house-19808908.php">$675,000 home loan in campaign documents</a>, and that high-level staffers at PACs <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">were improperly helping his campaign</a>.

The settlement follows a series of reports suggesting that Farrell&#8217;s campaign ran afoul of campaign finance rules this election season. Farrell&#8217;s competitors and news agencies dug up substantial allegations against him and his campaign, including that he inappropriately asked Mayor London Breed&#8217;s office <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/19/mark-farrell-home-permits-san-francisco/">to speed up home renovation permits</a>, that he failed to disclose a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/mark-farrell-loan-disclosure-house-19808908.php">$675,000 home loan in campaign documents</a>, and that high-level staffers at PACs <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">were improperly helping his campaign</a>.

The allegations reached a fever pitch when former Mayors Willie Brown, Art Agnos, and Frank Jordan penned a joint letter with other former officials to call on the attorney general and district attorney to open a criminal probe into Farrell&#8217;s campaign, voicing concern about some of the very same allegations the Ethics Commission levied.

The allegations reached a fever pitch when former Mayors Willie Brown, Art Agnos, and Frank Jordan penned a joint letter with other former officials to call on the attorney general and district attorney to open a criminal probe into Farrell's campaign, voicing concern about some of the very same allegations the Ethics Commission levied.

The allegations reached a fever pitch when former Mayors Willie Brown, Art Agnos, and Frank Jordan penned a joint letter with other former officials to call on the attorney general and district attorney to open a criminal probe into Farrell&#8217;s campaign, voicing concern about some of the very same allegations the Ethics Commission levied.

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The ethics commission said Farrell&#8217;s ballot measure committee and mayoral campaign had intended to split their expenses 50/50. For months, however, the ballot committee partially reimbursed the mayoral committee for staff they shared, the office they both occupied, and other joint expenses. That&#8217;s all allowed. But when payments between committees exceed expenses, they are considered illegal contributions.

The ethics commission said Farrell's ballot measure committee and mayoral campaign had intended to split their expenses 50/50. For months, however, the ballot committee partially reimbursed the mayoral committee for staff they shared, the office they both occupied, and other joint expenses. That's all allowed. But when payments between committees exceed expenses, they are considered illegal contributions.

The ethics commission said Farrell&#8217;s ballot measure committee and mayoral campaign had intended to split their expenses 50/50. For months, however, the ballot committee partially reimbursed the mayoral committee for staff they shared, the office they both occupied, and other joint expenses. That&#8217;s all allowed. But when payments between committees exceed expenses, they are considered illegal contributions.

The ethics commission alleges the Farrell campaign also erred when they reversed these errant transactions, instead of paying them as fines to the ethics commission itself.

The ethics commission alleges the Farrell campaign also erred when they reversed these errant transactions, instead of paying them as fines to the ethics commission itself.

&#8220;The potential harm in a reversed transaction of this size is that it serves as an interest-free loan to the mayoral committee,&#8221; the ethics commission wrote in its findings.

"The potential harm in a reversed transaction of this size is that it serves as an interest-free loan to the mayoral committee," the ethics commission wrote in its findings.

&#8220;The potential harm in a reversed transaction of this size is that it serves as an interest-free loan to the mayoral committee,&#8221; the ethics commission wrote in its findings.

In a statement, Farrell called the campaign finance issues a misunderstanding.

In a statement, Farrell called the campaign finance issues a misunderstanding.

“We agreed to a settlement for an accounting error that we corrected and publicly disclosed months ago, and over a disagreement about staff time allocation during the campaign, which led us to terminate our prior legal counsel for this matter,&#8221; Farrell wrote. &#8220;As the person responsible for both campaigns, I take full ownership of these issues—this is [the] kind of accountability I am modeling for my children.&#8221;

“We agreed to a settlement for an accounting error that we corrected and publicly disclosed months ago, and over a disagreement about staff time allocation during the campaign, which led us to terminate our prior legal counsel for this matter," Farrell wrote. "As the person responsible for both campaigns, I take full ownership of these issues—this is [the] kind of accountability I am modeling for my children."

“We agreed to a settlement for an accounting error that we corrected and publicly disclosed months ago, and over a disagreement about staff time allocation during the campaign, which led us to terminate our prior legal counsel for this matter,&#8221; Farrell wrote. &#8220;As the person responsible for both campaigns, I take full ownership of these issues—this is [the] kind of accountability I am modeling for my children.&#8221;

The commission countered Farrell&#8217;s claim in its stipulation, noting it had obtained more than 100 communications from both Farrell and his staff showing the campaign finance mixing was intentional.

The commission countered Farrell's claim in its stipulation, noting it had obtained more than 100 communications from both Farrell and his staff showing the campaign finance mixing was intentional.

The commission countered Farrell&#8217;s claim in its stipulation, noting it had obtained more than 100 communications from both Farrell and his staff showing the campaign finance mixing was intentional.

Some of those communications told donors that donations to Farrell’s Prop. D committee are &#8220;one of the most significant ways you could impact the campaign.&#8221;

Some of those communications told donors that donations to Farrell’s Prop. D committee are "one of the most significant ways you could impact the campaign."

Some of those communications told donors that donations to Farrell’s Prop. D committee are &#8220;one of the most significant ways you could impact the campaign.&#8221;

In a statement issued through the Farrell campaign, Anthony Quinn, former member of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, called out the San Francisco Ethics Commission for rushing its findings.

In a statement issued through the Farrell campaign, Anthony Quinn, former member of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, called out the San Francisco Ethics Commission for rushing its findings.

“Given the public nature of the allegations and their use by political opponents in a contested election, the Ethics Commission should have followed its standard procedures and timelines and avoided any appearance of taking sides in a political controversy,&#8221; Quinn said. &#8220;The voters should be free to elect who they wish without undue influence from a public agency.”

“Given the public nature of the allegations and their use by political opponents in a contested election, the Ethics Commission should have followed its standard procedures and timelines and avoided any appearance of taking sides in a political controversy," Quinn said. "The voters should be free to elect who they wish without undue influence from a public agency.”

“Given the public nature of the allegations and their use by political opponents in a contested election, the Ethics Commission should have followed its standard procedures and timelines and avoided any appearance of taking sides in a political controversy,&#8221; Quinn said. &#8220;The voters should be free to elect who they wish without undue influence from a public agency.”

The commission has come under fire for years for its slow response to campaign violations. Paul Melbostad, who served on the Ethics Commission from 1995 to 2003, said investigations regarding campaign finance violations usually take one to two years.

The commission has come under fire for years for its slow response to campaign violations. Paul Melbostad, who served on the Ethics Commission from 1995 to 2003, said investigations regarding campaign finance violations usually take one to two years.

While he was surprised by how fast this inquiry resulted in a penalty, considering Farrell launched his bid for mayor less than a year ago, Mebostad said it is important for voters to know whether campaigns are breaking the rules.

While he was surprised by how fast this inquiry resulted in a penalty, considering Farrell launched his bid for mayor less than a year ago, Mebostad said it is important for voters to know whether campaigns are breaking the rules.

&#8220;That is the most blatant in history use of a ballot measure committee to support a candidate — or the defeat of a candidate,&#8221; said Melbostad. &#8220;I’m pleased that the [Ethics Commission] staff was smart enough to get it.&#8221;

"That is the most blatant in history use of a ballot measure committee to support a candidate — or the defeat of a candidate," said Melbostad. "I’m pleased that the [Ethics Commission] staff was smart enough to get it."

&#8220;That is the most blatant in history use of a ballot measure committee to support a candidate — or the defeat of a candidate,&#8221; said Melbostad. &#8220;I’m pleased that the [Ethics Commission] staff was smart enough to get it.&#8221;

Matthews, the commission’s enforcement director, said the agency&#8217;s desire to resolve this case prior to Election Day was aimed at giving the public information about campaign violations &#8220;when it matters most.&#8221;

Matthews, the commission’s enforcement director, said the agency's desire to resolve this case prior to Election Day was aimed at giving the public information about campaign violations "when it matters most."

Matthews, the commission’s enforcement director, said the agency&#8217;s desire to resolve this case prior to Election Day was aimed at giving the public information about campaign violations &#8220;when it matters most.&#8221;

Opponents are already seizing on Farrell&#8217;s fumble.

Opponents are already seizing on Farrell's fumble.

Opponents are already seizing on Farrell&#8217;s fumble.

&#8220;Mark Farrell&#8217;s ethics violation only confirms what many have suspected — he lacks the integrity and accountability needed to lead San Francisco as mayor,&#8221; said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin.

"Mark Farrell's ethics violation only confirms what many have suspected — he lacks the integrity and accountability needed to lead San Francisco as mayor," said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin.

&#8220;Mark Farrell&#8217;s ethics violation only confirms what many have suspected — he lacks the integrity and accountability needed to lead San Francisco as mayor,&#8221; said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin.

“It’s time for a new era of accountable leadership,” said Levi Strauss heir and mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie.

“It’s time for a new era of accountable leadership,” said Levi Strauss heir and mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie.

The district attorney and attorney general have not yet said whether they&#8217;re conducting a criminal probe.

The district attorney and attorney general have not yet said whether they're conducting a criminal probe.

The district attorney and attorney general have not yet said whether they&#8217;re conducting a criminal probe.

Farrell to pay largest ethics penalty in SF history over alleged campaign violations

It was an Election Day bombshell no political insider saw coming.

It was an Election Day bombshell no political insider saw coming.

A day before the city’s last voters cast their ballots in person, the San Francisco Ethics Commission announced that mayoral candidate Mark Farrell would pay the largest settlement in city history, $108,000, for campaign misdeeds.&nbsp;

A day before the city’s last voters cast their ballots in person, the San Francisco Ethics Commission announced that mayoral candidate Mark Farrell would pay the largest settlement in city history, $108,000, for campaign misdeeds.&nbsp;

Politicians, consultants, journalists, and concerned citizens were stunned that the commission did its job when it actually mattered.&nbsp;

Politicians, consultants, journalists, and concerned citizens were stunned that the commission did its job when it actually mattered.&nbsp;

The city’s elections watchdog was once notorious for finishing investigations years after anybody would care, said Joe Arellano, a spokesperson for Mayor London Breed’s reelection campaign. No one on the team thought Farrell would face consequences before the election.

The city’s elections watchdog was once notorious for finishing investigations years after anybody would care, said Joe Arellano, a spokesperson for Mayor London Breed’s reelection campaign. No one on the team thought Farrell would face consequences before the election.

“All of us were caught by surprise,” Arellano said.&nbsp;

“All of us were caught by surprise,” Arellano said.&nbsp;

$24K on interns? Mark Farrell faces scrutiny, again, over campaign finance practices

The Standard spoke to Ethics Commission staff members, combed through data, and watched public meetings to sniff out the agency&#8217;s new recipe for success.&nbsp;

The Standard spoke to Ethics Commission staff members, combed through data, and watched public meetings to sniff out the agency's new recipe for success.&nbsp;

The Standard spoke to Ethics Commission staff members, combed through data, and watched public meetings to sniff out the agency&#8217;s new recipe for success.&nbsp;

It amounts to more money and more staffers. Over the past several election cycles, the commission hired more enforcement staff to handle higher caseloads and smoothed communication with all parties to eliminate roadblocks, according to Director of Enforcement Olabisi Matthews, who leads the team tasked with digging into electoral wrongdoing.&nbsp;

It amounts to more money and more staffers. Over the past several election cycles, the commission hired more enforcement staff to handle higher caseloads and smoothed communication with all parties to eliminate roadblocks, according to Director of Enforcement Olabisi Matthews, who leads the team tasked with digging into electoral wrongdoing.&nbsp;

Matthews was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, where government corruption is a fact of life.&nbsp;Police corruption is rampant enough in Nigeria <a href="https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2024/July/bribery-becoming-less-accepted-in-nigeria--says-new-report-on-corruption-patterns-and-trends-in-the-country.html">to draw the attention of United Nations investigators</a>.

Matthews was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, where government corruption is a fact of life.&nbsp;Police corruption is rampant enough in Nigeria <a href="https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2024/July/bribery-becoming-less-accepted-in-nigeria--says-new-report-on-corruption-patterns-and-trends-in-the-country.html">to draw the attention of United Nations investigators</a>.

Olabisi Matthews poses for a portrait at The SF Ethics Commission’s office in San Francisco on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. The SF Ethics Commission broke a historical precedent of fining a major candidate before the election concluded and now pledges candidates who commit similar violations will see immediate repercussions.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241121-ethicsrush_0093.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman sits at a desk with a computer, wearing a black blazer and pink top. She appears professional, with a window and greenery beside her." class="wp-image-336282"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Olabisi Matthews, director of enforcement at the Ethics Commission, said she was inspired by the mission of holding public officials accountable. </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241121-ethicsrush_0093.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman sits at a desk with a computer, wearing a black blazer and pink top. She appears professional, with a window and greenery beside her." class="wp-image-336282"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Olabisi Matthews, director of enforcement at the Ethics Commission, said she was inspired by the mission of holding public officials accountable. </figcaption></figure>

Matthews later moved to San Francisco. When she saw an opening at the Ethics Commission, she found motivation in its mission.&nbsp;

Matthews later moved to San Francisco. When she saw an opening at the Ethics Commission, she found motivation in its mission.&nbsp;

“The excitement coming here was how there are laws and systems to hold people accountable,” Matthews said. “I can’t fix where I grew up, but this is home for me, and I can fix it for my children and the future.”

“The excitement coming here was how there are laws and systems to hold people accountable,” Matthews said. “I can’t fix where I grew up, but this is home for me, and I can fix it for my children and the future.”

Public data show that the commission&#8217;s annual caseload has risen from about 25 to 50 since 2021. Despite the increase, the agency wrapped up investigations faster. By 2023, it eliminated a longstanding backlog.

Public data show that the commission's annual caseload has risen from about 25 to 50 since 2021. Despite the increase, the agency wrapped up investigations faster. By 2023, it eliminated a longstanding backlog.

Public data show that the commission&#8217;s annual caseload has risen from about 25 to 50 since 2021. Despite the increase, the agency wrapped up investigations faster. By 2023, it eliminated a longstanding backlog.

It now takes three months to dismiss or open a case, Matthews said.&nbsp;Contrast that with <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/08/ethics-commission-fines-mayor-london-breed-22792-for-violating-campaign-finance-ethics-and-gift-laws.html">the commission</a>&#8216;s fining<a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/08/ethics-commission-fines-mayor-london-breed-22792-for-violating-campaign-finance-ethics-and-gift-laws.html"> Breed $22,000 in August 2021</a> for a range of issues that first emerged in early 2020 — more than a year from allegation to fine.&nbsp;

It now takes three months to dismiss or open a case, Matthews said.&nbsp;Contrast that with <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/08/ethics-commission-fines-mayor-london-breed-22792-for-violating-campaign-finance-ethics-and-gift-laws.html">the commission</a>'s fining<a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/08/ethics-commission-fines-mayor-london-breed-22792-for-violating-campaign-finance-ethics-and-gift-laws.html"> Breed $22,000 in August 2021</a> for a range of issues that first emerged in early 2020 — more than a year from allegation to fine.&nbsp;

It now takes three months to dismiss or open a case, Matthews said.&nbsp;Contrast that with <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/08/ethics-commission-fines-mayor-london-breed-22792-for-violating-campaign-finance-ethics-and-gift-laws.html">the commission</a>&#8216;s fining<a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/08/ethics-commission-fines-mayor-london-breed-22792-for-violating-campaign-finance-ethics-and-gift-laws.html"> Breed $22,000 in August 2021</a> for a range of issues that first emerged in early 2020 — more than a year from allegation to fine.&nbsp;

It took investment from the city to pick up the pace. In 2022, the mayor’s budget allowed the commission to double the number of investigators from three to six, costing the city $560,000 annually.&nbsp;

It took investment from the city to pick up the pace. In 2022, the mayor’s budget allowed the commission to double the number of investigators from three to six, costing the city $560,000 annually.&nbsp;

Two of the new investigators were attorneys. Before, a single investigator would take a case from start to finish, then file a case themselves. Now an investigator gathers evidence, and an attorney files the case.&nbsp;

Two of the new investigators were attorneys. Before, a single investigator would take a case from start to finish, then file a case themselves. Now an investigator gathers evidence, and an attorney files the case.&nbsp;

Before attorneys joined the team, investigators were overly cautious, Matthews said. They gathered far more evidence than they needed, slowing the process.&nbsp;

Before attorneys joined the team, investigators were overly cautious, Matthews said. They gathered far more evidence than they needed, slowing the process.&nbsp;

“When you have attorneys on the team with that legal training, they have little hesitation to go toe-to-toe against opposing counsel,” Matthews said. “We’ve seen that.”

“When you have attorneys on the team with that legal training, they have little hesitation to go toe-to-toe against opposing counsel,” Matthews said. “We’ve seen that.”

The work toward Farrell’s landmark settlement was copious. Enforcement staff subpoenaed Farrell’s team, then combed through more than 1,500 pages of evidence, testimony, and public documents. The commission alleged that Farrell double-dipped, taking $93,000 in contributions from a PAC in his name supporting Proposition D, a ballot measure to cut city commissions, and improperly giving them to his own campaign.&nbsp;

The work toward Farrell’s landmark settlement was copious. Enforcement staff subpoenaed Farrell’s team, then combed through more than 1,500 pages of evidence, testimony, and public documents. The commission alleged that Farrell double-dipped, taking $93,000 in contributions from a PAC in his name supporting Proposition D, a ballot measure to cut city commissions, and improperly giving them to his own campaign.&nbsp;

When Farrell’s settlement was announced, his allies publicly complained that the case was sped up.&nbsp;Farrell finished the mayoral race far behind three other major candidates.

When Farrell’s settlement was announced, his allies publicly complained that the case was sped up.&nbsp;Farrell finished the mayoral race far behind three other major candidates.

Jim Ross, a consultant with experience in San Francisco elections, said the commission&#8217;s past sluggishness led some campaigns to strategically skirt the law. Consequences would come too late to change electoral outcomes.

Jim Ross, a consultant with experience in San Francisco elections, said the commission's past sluggishness led some campaigns to strategically skirt the law. Consequences would come too late to change electoral outcomes.

Jim Ross, a consultant with experience in San Francisco elections, said the commission&#8217;s past sluggishness led some campaigns to strategically skirt the law. Consequences would come too late to change electoral outcomes.

“This is the first time the Ethics Commission, in a big campaign in a big race in big stakes, issued a fine and ruling that influenced an election,” Ross said. “It’s a shot across the bow to every San Francisco campaign moving forward.”

“This is the first time the Ethics Commission, in a big campaign in a big race in big stakes, issued a fine and ruling that influenced an election,” Ross said. “It’s a shot across the bow to every San Francisco campaign moving forward.”

But funding to maintain the newly muscular commission isn’t a sure thing.&nbsp;

But funding to maintain the newly muscular commission isn’t a sure thing.&nbsp;

Senior IS analyst Jarrod Flores, left, and Engagement and compliance officer Kevin Kincaid work at The SF Ethics Commission’s office in San Francisco on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. The SF Ethics Commission broke a historical precedent of fining a major candidate before the election concluded and now pledges candidates who commit similar violations will see immediate repercussions.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241121-ethicsrush_0316.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two men are seated closely together in an office setting, focused on computer screens. They are engaged in a collaborative discussion." class="wp-image-336289"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jarrod Flores and Kevin Kincaid work at the Ethics Commission offices. The commission broke historical precedent in issuing a hefty fine to Mark Farrell before the mayoral election. </figcaption></figure>

At a June budget hearing, Ethics Commission Executive Director Patrick Ford asked the Board of Supervisors to protect his department’s cash flow and let him upgrade certain investigator positions to ensure they would be held by qualified attorneys.

At a June budget hearing, Ethics Commission Executive Director Patrick Ford asked the Board of Supervisors to protect his department’s cash flow and let him upgrade certain investigator positions to ensure they would be held by qualified attorneys.

With an expanded staff, “we&#8217;ve been able to completely eliminate our backlog,” Ford said.&nbsp;

With an expanded staff, “we've been able to completely eliminate our backlog,” Ford said.&nbsp;

With an expanded staff, “we&#8217;ve been able to completely eliminate our backlog,” Ford said.&nbsp;

Supervisor Connie Chan, the budget chair, said at the budget hearing she believed in the commission’s importance but had to balance the needs of various city departments at a time of fiscal uncertainty.

Supervisor Connie Chan, the budget chair, said at the budget hearing she believed in the commission’s importance but had to balance the needs of various city departments at a time of fiscal uncertainty.

&#8220;We’re going to make some really tough choices,” Chan said of the coming year. &#8220;I think that we’re facing an unprecedented budget deficit.”

"We’re going to make some really tough choices,” Chan said of the coming year. "I think that we’re facing an unprecedented budget deficit.”

&#8220;We’re going to make some really tough choices,” Chan said of the coming year. &#8220;I think that we’re facing an unprecedented budget deficit.”

The Ethics Commission kept its enforcement staff. But the positions weren’t upgraded. If one of the enforcement attorneys leaves, there’s no guarantee the next hire will have legal training.&nbsp;

The Ethics Commission kept its enforcement staff. But the positions weren’t upgraded. If one of the enforcement attorneys leaves, there’s no guarantee the next hire will have legal training.&nbsp;

Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie will navigate his first-ever city budget amid a projected $800 million deficit. Matthews hopes elected officials see what the city’s watchdogs can do when they have the necessary resources.

Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie will navigate his first-ever city budget amid a projected $800 million deficit. Matthews hopes elected officials see what the city’s watchdogs can do when they have the necessary resources.

“I believe the public is asking for it,” Matthews said. “They’re asking for the Ethics Commission to do more. We want to do more. We’ve shown we can do more if given the opportunity.”

“I believe the public is asking for it,” Matthews said. “They’re asking for the Ethics Commission to do more. We want to do more. We’ve shown we can do more if given the opportunity.”

How SF got serious about campaign shenanigans, just in time

Josh Koehn

Less than three weeks after his promotion to executive director of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=ethics%20commission">San Francisco Ethics Commission</a>, Patrick Ford is itchy to get to work—and he already has his sights set on one massive loophole being exploited for the March 5 primary election.

Less than three weeks after his promotion to executive director of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=ethics%20commission">San Francisco Ethics Commission</a>, Patrick Ford is itchy to get to work—and he already has his sights set on one massive loophole being exploited for the March 5 primary election.

Campaign contributions for mayor and supervisor candidates in San Francisco are capped by local law at $500 per election cycle, but people running for a seat on the local <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/03/san-francisco-moderate-democrats-fight-dccc-march-2024/">Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC)</a>—the group that decides priorities and endorsements for the local party—can accept contributions of any denomination, leading to contributions in the thousands if not tens of thousands. As a result, the campaigns to serve on the relatively obscure political board have combined to raise more than $1.6 million.

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Campaign contributions for mayor and supervisor candidates in San Francisco are capped by local law at $500 per election cycle, but people running for a seat on the local <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/03/san-francisco-moderate-democrats-fight-dccc-march-2024/">Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC)</a>—the group that decides priorities and endorsements for the local party—can accept contributions of any denomination, leading to contributions in the thousands if not tens of thousands. As a result, the campaigns to serve on the relatively obscure political board have combined to raise more than $1.6 million.

“I think this is one of the single biggest problems that we have,” Ford told The Standard in an interview last week.

“I think this is one of the single biggest problems that we have,” Ford told The Standard in an interview last week.

As the new leader of the Ethics Commission, Ford has one of the most important roles in the city, especially in an election year. The commission is tasked with processing and publishing a huge volume of campaign records, investigating reports of violations, proposing improvements in local ethics laws and rooting out corruption.&nbsp;

As the new leader of the Ethics Commission, Ford has one of the most important roles in the city, especially in an election year. The commission is tasked with processing and publishing a huge volume of campaign records, investigating reports of violations, proposing improvements in local ethics laws and rooting out corruption.&nbsp;

Patrick Ford, San Francisco's Ethics Commission's new Executive Director, in an office at the Ethics Commission in San Francisco on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. Patrick Ford previously served as the Commission's Director of Enforcement and was appointed as Executive Director of the Ethics Commission on January 29, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined01_20240212_ethicschief_-0411.jpg?w=2500" alt="Patrick Ford sits at a desk." class="wp-image-247998"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patrick Ford oversaw the San Francisco Ethics Commission&#8217;s enforcement division before being appointed to lead the agency in January.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined01_20240212_ethicschief_-0411.jpg?w=2500" alt="Patrick Ford sits at a desk." class="wp-image-247998"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patrick Ford oversaw the San Francisco Ethics Commission's enforcement division before being appointed to lead the agency in January.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined01_20240212_ethicschief_-0411.jpg?w=2500" alt="Patrick Ford sits at a desk." class="wp-image-247998"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patrick Ford oversaw the San Francisco Ethics Commission&#8217;s enforcement division before being appointed to lead the agency in January.</figcaption></figure>

Ford has his hands full with the DCCC race, where some candidates for the little-known body are raising six-figure sums. Several DCCC candidates are also elected supervisors or are running to join the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=board%20of%20supervisors">Board of Supervisors</a>, and they have been accepting substantial chunks of money from developers, labor unions, wealthy tech execs and other special interests to pay for campaigns that could help raise their name ID among voters, whether it’s for November’s election or other races in the future.

Ford has his hands full with the DCCC race, where some candidates for the little-known body are raising six-figure sums. Several DCCC candidates are also elected supervisors or are running to join the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=board%20of%20supervisors">Board of Supervisors</a>, and they have been accepting substantial chunks of money from developers, labor unions, wealthy tech execs and other special interests to pay for campaigns that could help raise their name ID among voters, whether it’s for November’s election or other races in the future.

Examples of the massive contributions to DCCC races include <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/29/fight-for-san-francisco-crypto-strip-club-ballot-measures/">crypto billionaire Chris Larsen</a> giving $50,000 to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/01/marjan-philhour-campaign-richmond-supervisor-san-francisco-november-2024-election/">Marjan Philhour</a>, who is challenging Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=connie%20chan">Connie Chan</a> in District 1. Tech entrepreneur <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/tech-exec-challenges-san-francisco-democratic-socialist-supervisor-dean-preston/">Bilal Mahmood</a>, who is running against Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=dean%20preston">Dean Preston</a> in District 5, also received $20,000 from Larsen for his DCCC bid.

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Examples of the massive contributions to DCCC races include <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/29/fight-for-san-francisco-crypto-strip-club-ballot-measures/">crypto billionaire Chris Larsen</a> giving $50,000 to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/01/marjan-philhour-campaign-richmond-supervisor-san-francisco-november-2024-election/">Marjan Philhour</a>, who is challenging Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=connie%20chan">Connie Chan</a> in District 1. Tech entrepreneur <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/23/tech-exec-challenges-san-francisco-democratic-socialist-supervisor-dean-preston/">Bilal Mahmood</a>, who is running against Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=dean%20preston">Dean Preston</a> in District 5, also received $20,000 from Larsen for his DCCC bid.

Money is the name of the game in political campaigns, but the huge sums for DCCC campaigns are raising eyebrows. For example, Mahmood has raised $225,000, while Philhour’s war chest is over $195,000, according to the Ethics Commission’s campaign fundraising dashboard.

Money is the name of the game in political campaigns, but the huge sums for DCCC campaigns are raising eyebrows. For example, Mahmood has raised $225,000, while Philhour’s war chest is over $195,000, according to the Ethics Commission’s campaign fundraising dashboard.

“I have run for office three times, and I have lost each time,” Philhour told The Standard. “Something is keeping me going, and it’s not money. I am committed to the future of our city.”

“I have run for office three times, and I have lost each time,” Philhour told The Standard. “Something is keeping me going, and it’s not money. I am committed to the future of our city.”

Chris Larsen, co-founder and executive chairman of Ripple Labs, and former E-Loan co-founder listen to people speak at his office in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined02_20240212_ethicschief_larsen.jpg?w=2500" alt="Chris Larsen." class="wp-image-247999"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chris Larsen, co-founder of Ripple Labs, has made huge contributions to candidates running to serve on San Francisco&#8217;s Democratic County Central Committee.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined02_20240212_ethicschief_larsen.jpg?w=2500" alt="Chris Larsen." class="wp-image-247999"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chris Larsen, co-founder of Ripple Labs, has made huge contributions to candidates running to serve on San Francisco's Democratic County Central Committee.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined02_20240212_ethicschief_larsen.jpg?w=2500" alt="Chris Larsen." class="wp-image-247999"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chris Larsen, co-founder of Ripple Labs, has made huge contributions to candidates running to serve on San Francisco&#8217;s Democratic County Central Committee.</figcaption></figure>

Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=matt%20dorsey">Matt Dorsey</a>—whose district includes the South of Market area—has accepted $5,000 from One Vassar LLC, a developer of multiple high-rise buildings on Harrison and Second streets, as well as $5,000 from strip club impresario Joe Carouba. Dorsey isn’t up for reelection until 2026, but the fundraising is far outside the norm of what would be allowed in a race for supervisor.

Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=matt%20dorsey">Matt Dorsey</a>—whose district includes the South of Market area—has accepted $5,000 from One Vassar LLC, a developer of multiple high-rise buildings on Harrison and Second streets, as well as $5,000 from strip club impresario Joe Carouba. Dorsey isn’t up for reelection until 2026, but the fundraising is far outside the norm of what would be allowed in a race for supervisor.

Neither Mahmood nor Dorsey responded to requests for comment for this story.

Neither Mahmood nor Dorsey responded to requests for comment for this story.

Making matters more complicated, Ford said, winning candidates for DCCC can funnel any leftover campaign funds into officeholder accounts that can be used for official Democratic Party business, which could lead to people using the money as personal piggy banks for meals, hotels and flights, a la disgraced former Congressman <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/santos-target-watchdog-complaint-alleging-misuse-campaign-funds/story?id=96419585">George Santos</a>.

Making matters more complicated, Ford said, winning candidates for DCCC can funnel any leftover campaign funds into officeholder accounts that can be used for official Democratic Party business, which could lead to people using the money as personal piggy banks for meals, hotels and flights, a la disgraced former Congressman <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/santos-target-watchdog-complaint-alleging-misuse-campaign-funds/story?id=96419585">George Santos</a>.

Ford, who has been with the Ethics Commission since 2017 and most recently served as the lead of the enforcement division, said he raised the issue of unlimited DCCC fundraising in San Francisco with the Fair Political Practices Commission—the state’s political watchdog—but he was told that the city’s “hands are tied by state law.”

Ford, who has been with the Ethics Commission since 2017 and most recently served as the lead of the enforcement division, said he raised the issue of unlimited DCCC fundraising in San Francisco with the Fair Political Practices Commission—the state’s political watchdog—but he was told that the city’s “hands are tied by state law.”

“I think it is a huge problem,” Ford said of the unlimited contributions to DCCC candidates who are also running for supervisor.&nbsp;

“I think it is a huge problem,” Ford said of the unlimited contributions to DCCC candidates who are also running for supervisor.&nbsp;

The unlimited sums of money give these candidates the ability to run simultaneous ad campaigns that can make an impression for November’s election.&nbsp;

The unlimited sums of money give these candidates the ability to run simultaneous ad campaigns that can make an impression for November’s election.&nbsp;

“The law is just not matching reality here,” Ford said, “and it&#8217;s undermining the very purposes of these rules.”

“The law is just not matching reality here,” Ford said, “and it's undermining the very purposes of these rules.”

“The law is just not matching reality here,” Ford said, “and it&#8217;s undermining the very purposes of these rules.”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined03_20240212_ethicschief_-0069.jpg?w=2500" alt="Patrick Ford sits at a desk." class="wp-image-248000"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patrick Ford attempted to get the state&#8217;s Fair Political Practices Commission to take a look at &#8220;one of the single biggest problems&#8221; regarding local campaign fundraising. The state refused, he said.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined03_20240212_ethicschief_-0069.jpg?w=2500" alt="Patrick Ford sits at a desk." class="wp-image-248000"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patrick Ford attempted to get the state's Fair Political Practices Commission to take a look at "one of the single biggest problems" regarding local campaign fundraising. The state refused, he said.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inlined03_20240212_ethicschief_-0069.jpg?w=2500" alt="Patrick Ford sits at a desk." class="wp-image-248000"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patrick Ford attempted to get the state&#8217;s Fair Political Practices Commission to take a look at &#8220;one of the single biggest problems&#8221; regarding local campaign fundraising. The state refused, he said.</figcaption></figure>

As far as first impressions go, Ford comes across as polite and unassuming. Inside the Ethics Commission’s headquarters on Van Ness Avenue, he has a small office with bare walls and a small window overlooking a nondescript alleyway.

As far as first impressions go, Ford comes across as polite and unassuming. Inside the Ethics Commission’s headquarters on Van Ness Avenue, he has a small office with bare walls and a small window overlooking a nondescript alleyway.

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