February 9, 2007

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

What were your thoughts when news broke about San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s affair with Ruby Ripley Tourk, the wife of his top aide? Has this changed your opinion of him as mayor? Do you think he should resign?
(Asked at Longs on San Felipe Road)

“I feel bad because I’m a big fan [of his] and he’s getting all this bad publicity. I like what he stands for and what he believes in and the work he’s done to help the homeless and his stance on gay marriage. No, I definitely don’t think he should resign. I think that would be a tragedy.”

Pat Nieto
Evergreen
Retired


“I think it just shows that he’s a self-centered, egotistical politician. In the long run it’s not the worst thing that’s happened, but it’s out of line. I didn’t like him from the beginning, especially his stance on gay marriage. He didn’t follow the laws [of California]. He should have been impeached back then.”

Dale Richmond
Evergreen
Investor


“I’m sad that he had the affair, but glad that he didn’t lie about it. I was actually pleasantly surprised that he admitted to the affair [and didn’t try to place the blame elsewhere or cover it up]. I didn’t have much of an opinion of him before the news [surfaced], but when he admitted he was wrong, that [kind of thing] takes a lot of guts and character. I don’t think he should resign. If he had covered up the situation and then it surfaced, then I would lean toward his resignation, but he apologized.”

Colette Rodriguez, 46
Evergreen
Church assistant


“I don’t personally approve of what he’s done but it [has] nothing to do with the job of running San Francisco, it has to do with his personal life. With [regards to] running the city, no, it hasn’t changed my opinion. I think it was poor judgment on his part—he should have used better judgment. No, I don’t think he should resign."

Tad McGrath, 73
Evergreen
Part time real estate broker


“Aristotle said one thing we should value is friendship. It saddened me that all three of them have lost their friendship. The gossip that’s spreading is hard. I didn’t really know him well enough, but I am disappointed [in his actions]. He should resign as Bush should resign for getting us into [the Iraqi war].”

Janet Giddings, 56
Evergreen
San Jose State philosophy and ethics teacher


“I thought he was human and subject to error. He’s done a lot for the city [of San Francisco]. People should take the work he’s done into consideration and it shouldn’t be on the news every 15 seconds. I still like him. He’s a good man; let’s give him a chance.”

Lillie Green
Evergreen
Registered nurse