San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed today announced that Former State Senator John Burton has been officially sworn in to the San Francisco Port Commission, following unanimous approval by the Board of Supervisors. Mayor Breed conducted a virtual swearing-in ceremony with Burton this afternoon.

“I am excited that John will serve on the Port Commission, and that he was interested in continuing his long legacy of public service in this way,” said Mayor Breed. “We are lucky to have someone of his experience, knowledge, and dedication to San Francisco on the Commission. As we embark on the challenging path of recovery from COVID and confront the significant challenges of climate change, the Port will continue to be an important part of our City’s economy and resilience.”

Mayor Breed appointed Burton to serve on the Port Commission because of his passion for the Port and his knowledge of the Port’s complex operations and related policy. Burton was responsible for creating the San Francisco Port Commission 52 years ago.

“I am thankful to Mayor Breed for appointing me to serve as a member of the Port Commission and honored to work with my fellow commissioners to keep improving one of San Francisco’s greatest treasures—the Port,” said John Burton.  

Mr. Burton served in the California State Assembly, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the California State Senate. In 2009, Mr. Burton was elected chair of the California Democratic Party. In 2005, he launched the John Burton Advocates for Youth, which works to improve the quality of life for youth in California who have been in foster care or homeless by advocating for better laws, training communities to strengthen local practices, and conducting research to inform policy solutions.

Burton, who is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, holds a Bachelor’s Degree from San Francisco State College and a Juris Doctorate from University of San Francisco. He also serves as a professor of California politics at San Francisco State University.

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