www.sfgate.com

Harding garners rare bipartisan support group
Brian Murphy
Sunday, March 31, 2002
©2002 San Francisco Chronicle

Still dazed by the potential makeover at Harding Park, On Golf is finding it hard to report on much else. Perhaps the most amazing development has been the bridging of political gaps between Supervisor Tony Hall, who represents the more conservative West of Twin Peaks, and Supervisor Chris Daly, who represents the less conservative and grittier Tenderloin.

For Hall to make this work, he needed help from some of the more left- leaning members of the Board, and when he convinced Daly -- who fits that profile -- to co-sponsor the bill, he gained what appears to be a huge ally when the vote goes before the full Board of Supes next month.

Daly, like many city residents, was skeptical of the original plan that had the Arnold Palmer group taking over Harding. As a Supervisor who actually plays golf, Daly knew enough to feel the Palmer group might not have the best interests of city golfers at heart.

He said as much in casting his vote during the Finance Committee last week.

"This proposal is a lot more of a San Francisco-type proposal, and I'm happy to put my name on it," Daly said. "My main concern was to keep golf affordable for many of our city residents. And while there is a minor bump in greens fees, I feel it favors city residents and it's reasonable enough compared to rates used in golf courses throughout the region.

"And we're guaranteed in this plan the rates will be kept reasonable. There are some pretty good insurances built in, so it looks to be a win-win."

Plan backer Sandy Tatum, speaking before the Committee, called the marriage of opposite political spectrums in the name of Harding "a revelation."

After the Finance Committee meeting, Hall could hardly believe his Harding Park makeover is set to be approved -- he hopes.

"It's amazing," he said. "I usually lose everything 10-to-1 around here."

E-mail Brian Murphy at [email protected].