Elections Commission
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002
Department of Elections
Elections Commission
Approved: 8/7/02
City and County of San Francisco
Elections Commission
Minutes of the Meeting held
July 29, 2002
1. President Mendelson called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm.
2. COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Kenealey, Thomas Schulz, Brenda Stowers, and Michael Mendelson. ABSENT: Richard Shadoian and Alix Rosenthal.
3. Flag salute
4. Public comment. None
8. This item was taken out of order. Discussion and possible action to review and adopt a new policy concerning selection of translated and transliterated Chinese names for candidates appearing on the San Francisco ballot.
Acting Director John Arntz presented his proposed policy for selection of translated and transliterated Chinese names for candidates. The new policy allows candidates to provide their name in Chinese characters. If a member of the public challenges the name, the Director may ask for supporting documentation from the candidate that demonstrates that the submitted name is the name by which the candidate is consistently identified in the Chinese community and press. For the November 5, 2002 election, candidates would submit their Chinese name by August 9th. These names would be available for public inspection on August 26. Challenges could be made before noon on August 27. The Director would make a determination by noon August 30 and that determination would be final.
MOVED to adopt the proposed policy for translated and transliterated Chinese names for candidates.
Acting Director Arntz will inform the public that the Chinese names will be available for inspection.
In response to questions about language requirements, Deputy City Attorney Julia Moll informed the Commission that the City is required, under Federal and local laws, to provide certain voter information in Chinese and Spanish. Currently, other languages are not covered by these laws.
A brief recess was called.
VOTE: PASSED unanimously.
5. It was discussed whether to go into Closed Session. DECISION: To go into Closed Session.
6. CLOSED SESSION – Commission convened the Closed Session at 6:39 pm. The Commission reconvened the Open Session at 7:20 pm.
7. Discussion whether to disclose Closed Session. The Commission decided not to disclose the Closed Session discussion pursuant to Ralph Brown Act section 54957.1 and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.12.
8. This item was heard earlier.
9. Public comment. None.
ADJOURNED 7:24 pm.