We got bad news this week. Looks like Mike Hennessy’s running for Sheriff again.

Now, most of you are wondering what the hell I am on about. Hennessy’s a uniquely San Francisco figure–someone who’s got a job that brings to mind racist rednecks and  bumbling morons but has managed to carve out a way to make the job a powerful vehicle for progressive change. From drug treatment to gardening projects, the Sheriff’s department runs some seriously innovative projects.  There have even been model protocols developed on how to treat transgender folks in county jails (PDF).

So why is it bad news that Hennessy’s running for a record eighth term for Sheriff? Find out after the flip.

Well, mainly because his name was one of those floated to run against Gavin Newsom for mayor. Since Gavin’s proved unable to stand up to the police–carrying their water against foot patrols, as well as proving unable to respond with any authority to the racist and sexist videos published by the SFPD–it would have been a rare case of the progressive candidate being the law and order candidate. And since the violence plaguing our neighborhoods is such a huge issue for many folks, the idea of a mayor with an understanding of how to change the culture of law enforcement is an appealing one.

Unfortunately, it looks like we’ll have another candidate. I hope that whoever it ends up being looks to the Sheriff for advice on how to handle violence and crime.

crossposted from left in sf