Where Da Mayor bought his ride.

I didn’t catch the beginning of the television news report but San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsom, held a press conference in a city store. He stressed how important it is for citizens to support local businesses by buying from city shops. A CBS TV reporter asked him why he bought his Chevrolet SUV hybrid in a Colma car dealership instead of a San Francisco shop. Colma is right next door, south west of San Francisco. Newsom was put off guard by what he appropriately described as the “gotcha question” and said he didn't know why because he didn’t buy the vehicle. Someone else did.

Then he attempted to ignore the unrelenting reporter who asked him why he’s promoting buying local when he’s not following his own words. Newsom this time was obviously annoyed and said that since he didn’t buy the car, he can’t answer the question and will find out about it and get back to the reporter.

Isn’t that just lovely. The “I didn’t do it” excuse simply absolves Newsom of any accountability and responsibility. That excuse sure does sound familiar. Can you name that tune? Sounds like an annoying duet of the CEO’s from the Wall Street Bankers and the Big3.

After the conference, Newsom said the car was purchased from a Colma dealership because it was cheaper than buying in San Francisco and that again he wasn’t involved in that decision. A few days ago, Brooks Chevrolet, a family owned new car dealership announced its plans to shut down. Chervrolet Brooks is a San Francisco institution. I remember growing up seeing their family themed commercials. Brooks Chevrolet said Newsom knows better than that.

Being a smart media and logistics man, Newsom didn’t head straight to his SUV after the press conference. He walked away from camera view down Noe Valley street. Although it’s spilled milk, he can’t walk away from this big embarrassment. I wouldn’t be surprised if this oh-oh comes back to haunt him when he runs for Governor of California since the economy and the long overdue state budget (if it ever gets passed) will continue to be big issues in a few years. Governor? Yeah, didn’t you hear? Well, that’s another long post that I’ll save for another “only in San Francisco” politics day.

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