SAN FRANCISCO—Sophie Maxwell and Tim Paulson, appointees to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission by Mayor London Breed were unanimously approved by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 23.
Maxwell is a former District 10 Supervisor and currently works as Vice Chair of Group Strategies on the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee. Paulson currently serves as Secretary-Treasurer for the Building and Construction Trades Council.
“I am proud to appoint Sophie Maxwell and Tim Paulson to the Public Utilities Commission,” said Mayor Breed. “The success of CleanPowerSF has laid the groundwork for potentially acquiring PG&E assets, and I am confident that their leadership will help the City decide on our best path moving forward to provide power for our businesses and residents.”
According to a press release from the Mayor’s Office, the SFPUC is comprised by a board of five commissioners with each selected based on criteria set forth in the San Francisco City Charter. The SFPUC is responsible for providing operational oversight in areas as rates and charges for services, approval of contracts, and organization policy.
Maxwell served three terms on the SF Board of Supervisors, representing District 10, which includes Potrero Hill, Bayview Hunters Point, Visitacion Valley, Silver Terrace, Dogpatch, Little Hollywood, and the Portola districts. During her tenure, she worked for more equitable distribution of public resources, increasing economic development opportunities for all San Franciscans, and raising San Francisco’s vulnerable residents.
“I am honored to have this opportunity to bring my advocacy for environmental justice and clean energy to the Public Utilities Commission. I look forward to serving the people of San Francisco in these critical times,” said Maxwell.
Paulson is a tile setter and member of Bricklayers and Allied Crafts Local 3. He worked as a former officer of that local union, and serves as Secretary-Treasurer on the Building and Construction Trades Council. He previously organized janitors for the Service Employees International Union, handled politics for the San Mateo Labor Council, and recently was Executive Director of the San Francisco Labor Council.
“I am honored to be appointed by Mayor Breed on this vital commission and look forward to serving the residents, workers, and businesses who expect our water, sewer and electrical infrastructure to be maintained with services delivered at affordable rates,” said Paulson.
“Commissioners Maxwell and Paulson both have a long and special history of advocating on the behalf of San Francisco residents,” said SFPUC General Manager Harlan L. Kelly, Jr. “I know they will be responsive public servants who will work collaboratively to advance the mission of the SFPUC and the interests of all San Franciscans. I look forward to working closely with them on the critical issues facing our agency.”
The SFPUC provides drinking water to 2.7 million people in the Bay Area, collects and treats wastewater for the City and County of San Francisco, and generates clean power for municipal buildings, residents, and businesses. The agency’s mission is to supply customers with high quality, efficient and reliable water, power, and sewer services that values environmental and community interests and sustains the resources entrusted to its care.
