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The costs of corruption
by John Zipperer
Editor in Chief, The Voice of San Francisco
San Francisco “has no interest in contracting with corrupt businesses attempting to circumvent our fair bidding processes,” said City Attorney David Chiu in a statement released by his office.
And that’s good news, right?
Chiu made the statement in reference to a crackdown his office made on a local restaurateur involved in an alleged bribery scheme. I write about it as part of an article this week on the Voice website, the first of a two-part look at the costs of political corruption. I also found myself bringing it up during a podcast interview Melissa Caen and I had with Stephen Greenhut, who analyzes city policies from his perch at the Pacific Research Institute and the R Street Institute.
That’s because corruption isn’t only about immediate gain for some party; it’s about ensuring that the gravy train doesn’t stop, that you’re not caught, that some rival doesn’t take your place. And that’s the opposite of what should happen in a liberal democracy. Parties should compete, and businesses should compete, and academic ideas should compete, and social and cultural ideas should compete. When any of those is allowed to establish hegemony, it puts a freeze on advancement, not to mention fairness.
Part I of that article is up; please take a look. Part II will come along soon. Until then, look for the next episode of our Voice Weekly Podcast (out later today) for a talk with Greenhut on his views of what cities do well, what they could improve, and where he thinks they really stink.
And in the meantime, check out some of the other new and recent content from the Voice below.
Top News
Willie Brown’s city family is a Machiavellian tragedy of mostly moderate politicians — but progressives aren’t off the hook
REYNOLDS RAP
by Susan Dyer Reynolds
Willie Brown has aided in the ascension of many politicians, including every mayor since him. Take for example current California Governor Gavin Newsom. A handsome businessman and friend of the powerful Getty family, Brown plucked Newsom from obscurity, appointing him to San Francisco’s Parking and Traffic Commission and later to District 2 supervisor. It was all part of Brown’s master plan to […]
by Susan Dyer Reynolds
Nomi Kane ‘toon
ICYMI
Out and About
What to do this week
By Lynette Majer
Managing Editor, The Voice of San Francisco
Tuesday, June 4
If you’ve not experienced the beauty and creativity of the annual Bouquets to Art at the deYoung, here’s your chance. For five days only, view beautiful floral arrangements designed by talented designers in conversation with selected works. Admission includes entry to “San Francisco: A Century of Style” and “Irving Penn,” both of which I highly recommend. Tickets $40.
Wednesday, June 5
Starting today and every day through June 16 is the 41st Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival, featuring 40 shows in four venues with a star-studded lineup of musicians and tributes, like Kenny Garrett, Jane Monheit, an Oscar Peterson celebration, and many more. Tickets start at $25.
See more upcoming events online.
Listen up! Our podcasts
- John Rothmann: BART bailout postponed, keeping our views and the Powell Street blues
- John Rothmann: The Dynamic of San Francisco politics on several levels
- Voice Weekly: Film and TV Critic Michael Snyder Talks to Melissa Caen and John Zipperer
- Plus more (and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible or everywhere else you get your favorite podcasts)
