Silicon Valley angel Ron Conway told the CEOs of his investments who to vote for, and instructed them to pass the picks to their workers.
We know this because one of the companies he invests in, Pando Daily, decided to expose his attempt to muscle in on their politics.
The effort came in the form of an emailed memo, reports sfist. With 546 companies taking his money, according to Crunchbase, that could mean a lot of swing votes! It is not illegal to tell people who to vote for. The email is posted below.
From: Ron Conway
Date: October 24, 2015 at 12:01:55 PM PDT
To: Ron Conway
Subject: SF Election Recommendations for November 3rd
TO: San Francisco-based SV Angel Portfolio CEOs
We have an important election in SF on November 3rd.
Can you please share the list below and ask your team to Vote either on November 3 or by absentee ballot beforehand!
Candidate and proposition recommendations in the upcoming election in SF on November 3 :
Ed Lee Mayor in all 3 choices (rank choice voting)
Vicki Hennessy Sheriff in all 3 choices (rank choice voting)
Alex Randolph Member, Community College Board
If you live in District 3 in SF vote FOR Julie Christensen in all 3 choices (rank choice voting)Not Voting for candidates for City Attorney, District Attorney or Treasurer
PROPOSITIONS ON THE BALLOT
These recommendations match those of sf.citi.
Measure A
General Obligation Bond Election – Affordable Housing – Not to Exceed $310,000,000
VOTE YES
Measure B
Enhancement of Paid Parental Leave for City Employees
VOTE YES
Measure C
Expenditure Lobbyists Ordinance
VOTE YES
Measure D
Mission Rock
VOTE YES
Measure E
Requirements For Public Meetings of Local Policy Bodies
VOTE NO
Measure F
Short-Term Residential Rentals
VOTE NO
Measure G
Disclosures Regarding Renewable Energy
VOTE NO
Measure H
Clean Energy Right to Know Act
VOTE YES
Measure I
Mission District Housing Moratorium
VOTE NO
Measure J
Establishing the Legacy Business Historic Preservation Fund
VOTE YES
Measure K
Surplus City Property Ordinance
VOTE YES