Commission fines William Walker $3,000 for six campaign violation counts

The San Francisco Ethics Commission has taken decisive action regarding the enforcement of ethical standards among city officials. During a meeting on July 11, 2025, the commission voted to take no action on a referral from the task force concerning non-willful violations, allowing for future complaints to be presented without prejudice. This decision underscores the commission's focus on addressing willful violations, which are deemed more actionable and relevant to maintaining public trust.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing enforcement matter involving William Walker, who faced six counts of violations related to political campaign disclosures. Despite being notified of the hearing, Walker did not attend, prompting the commission to consider a default judgment against him. The enforcement division proposed a penalty of $3,000, which would hold Walker accountable for his disregard of disclosure obligations. The commission emphasized the importance of transparency in political spending, particularly as Walker has indicated plans to run for office again in the future.

The commission's actions reflect a commitment to uphold ethical standards and ensure compliance among city officials. By moving forward with a default judgment against Walker, the commission aims to reinforce the significance of accountability in public service. The next steps will involve formalizing the penalties and ensuring that such violations are addressed promptly to maintain the integrity of the city's governance.