Before deciding on her next steps, District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder announced Sunday that she is taking a break while she manages a mental health condition, but intends to remain in office. His staff will handle operations in his absence, and his fellow supervisors said they will provide support.
Comptroller Jackie Fielder’s office announced on social media Sunday evening she will be taking a medical leave of absence to recover from her mental health issues. At that time, he will know his way forward, as he is rumored to be staying in office, according to the Local Mission.
In the statement, Fielder’s staff said he requested the information be shared, because it is important to change the stigmas surrounding mental health conditions.
“San Francisco has always been dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of its citizens, and we applaud Supervisor Fielder for emphasizing the importance of self-care and resilience, and for directing us to openly share today that prioritizing and talking about mental health is really important,” Fielder’s office said. “As she has taken on many social justice issues, she continues to show courage and leadership by speaking openly about her health and taking meaningful steps toward healing and recovery.”
His staff will take over official duties, but as the Local Mission notes, there will be no voting for District 9 during Fielder’s absence.
The update follows Friday’s announcement that Fielder is in the hospital and will retire, as previously reported. Fielder’s office said he was experiencing an unspecified “acute personal health crisis.” Sunday morning, Fielder’s office announced there is a chance Fielder will not resign, but he prioritized his recovery before making any decisions.
Statements from Fielder’s staff included words of support from five of his colleagues, including Connie Chan, Bilal Mahmood, Chyanne Chen, Shamann Walton, and Myrna Melgar. Melgar noted that when former Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier was on leave for three months, they all stepped in to help represent her district, along with Alioto-Pier’s staff.
“I have full confidence that the 9th District staff can and will do that as well,” Melgar said.
“We will support Supervisor Fielder and his team at this time to make the best decision for the health of Supervisor Fielder and the people he represents,” said Supervisor Connie Chan.
Other supervisors lent their words of support through the Chronicle.
“I’m proud of Jackie for the courage she’s shown, and I hope she knows we all support her,” Supervisor Matt Dorsey said.
“Politics is fierce, passionate, and often unforgiving,” said Supervisor Danny Sauter. “But we must not forget that real humans are behind this work.”
As previously reported by the Local Mission, the majority of organizers and non-profit leaders in the Fielder district – the most progressive district in the city, serving the Mission, Bernal Heights, and Portola – hope that he will not resign, because they believe that the mayor will appoint someone who is more moderate.
“I want to see him back at City Hall. That’s what I hear the most from people,” Amy Beinart, a longtime Bernal Heights organizer, told Local Mission. “I really don’t want to guess who he’s going to feed and find out who’s going to rubber stamp what I see as a push for centralized mayoral power.”
As far as what the long leave of absence means for Fielder’s position at City Hall, the Local Mission cited section 15.105 of the city charter to explain that Fielder is not at risk of losing his position, because only in extreme cases can the supervisor be removed from office, such as being convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, “or” “evil behavior” or “misconduct.”
“The only way you go is that you resign – which can only be done by writing to the clerk of the council – you die, you are recalled or you are removed for a crime by the mayor, subject to a trial where two thirds of your colleagues must condemn you,” said the former president of the council, Aaron Peskin, told the Local Mission.
Once his health has stabilized, Fielder intends to carefully weigh his options moving forward.
“Supervisor Fielder has been a staunch advocate for District 9 and has worked tirelessly to serve her constituents, as has everyone in the office,” her office said. “He’s just getting started, and as appointed staff, we remain committed to fulfilling his agenda: protecting our most vulnerable communities, expanding affordable housing, defending immigrant rights, strengthening public safety, promoting climate justice, ensuring small businesses can thrive, and meeting the needs of our constituents and communities, among many other priorities.
previous: SF’s Most Progressive Supervisor Jackie Fielder May Resign Amid Health Crisis
Image: Jackie Fielder / Facebook
#Jackie #Fielder #leave #absence #citing #mental #health #intending #resign