Dufty's Response to the Peskin Amendment
I received copies of this email from Bevan Dufty from a couple of different people this afternoon. And for the record, Dufty voted IN FAVOR OF Peskin’s newly amended legislation…
I want to thank many of you who contacted me to say that the legislation
proposed by Supervisor Peskin was unfair. I agreed that retroactively
changing the rules was not appropriate and that the 1999 date negatively
affected many individuals who purchased TICs from sellers who previously
had conducted Ellis evictions,It was helpful to hear from individuals who shared their stories of how
difficult it is to become a homeowner in San Francisco.I am a strong advocate for home ownership. I was proud to have authored
legislation to reform the Condo Lottery so that those who have been in
the longest are allowed to convert. It is considered the first pro-home
ownership legislation approved by the Board since 2000.Over the past two weeks I worked with Supervisor Peskin and the Mayor’s
Office on amendments to guide the future rather than changing rules in
the past.A copy of this amendment is attached for your review. The amendment was
adopted 8-2 and Supervisor Peskin’s legislation passed overall 7-3.
Mayor Newsom’s Office participated in these discussions and has
indicated that he is not opposed to the legislation as amended.I recognize that legislative language is complicated. Please feel free
to contact Boe Hayward of my office (boe.hayward@sfgov.org or 415
554-6987) or Deputy City Attorney John Malamut (john.malamut@sfgov.org)
with specific questions or situations. I have asked them to assist you
in understanding the details of this measure.I respect that many home ownership groups with whom I have worked, Plan
C and TIC Coalition among them, do not support this legislation.There was a Task Force led by Mayor Newsom and Supervisor Peskin last
year that sought to create a comprehensive reform package, including
limits on Ellis and increasing the Condo Conversion cap. I regret that
this effort disbanded.But it has been difficult for me to achieve pro-home ownership goals
with the specter that anything encouraging ownership unalterably leads
to more Ellis evictions.Next week, I will introduce legislation for a trial program for TICs
that enable vulnerable resident-tenants (long-time residents, elderly,
disabled) to become owners in a way that bypasses the lottery. It is
important that we reward good behavior and not just penalize bad
behavior. I have enclosed a draft of this legislation and welcome your
thoughts and suggestions on how to improve it.I believe that today’s legislation helps set-aside the issue of Ellis
Act evictions and I believe we can finally gain ground in championing
reforms that help individuals and families become owners.I recognize that some will disagree with me on this legislation; even to
the point of not supporting me in the future. I respect that. But
anyone who has worked with me or watched me at the Board knows that I
work hard and it is my pledge to balance today’s vote with actions that
meaningfully help those who are striving to own their home.Again, thanks for your contact and I welcome your questions or ideas for
future legislation.Bevan
554-5646
Bevan.Dufty@sfgov.org
Attached to this email were two documents, which I have available for download:
Dufty’s soon-to-be-presented legislation to help tenants purchase their units
Thanks to Todd and Jackie for each forwarding this email along to me!
Dufty’s District at Epicenter of Ellis Eviction Wave [BeyondChron]
