The Political Life of Former San Francisco Mayor George Moscone

Bernard P. Hagan
Aug 8, 2017 · 2 min read

The president of Hagan Construction and Development for more than four decades, Bernard P. Hagan also involved himself in California political causes. Bernard P. Hagan enjoyed a friendly relationship with former San Francisco mayor George Moscone, who, like Mr. Hagan, was both a native of San Francisco and an alumnus of the city’s St. Ignatius High School.

Born on November 24, 1929, George Moscone served in the U.S. Navy after graduating from St. Ignatius. After a brief career in law, he entered California’s political scene, becoming a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1963 and winning election to the California State Senate in 1967. By 1969, he had risen to majority leader, a post he held until assuming responsibilities as mayor of San Francisco in 1976.

As mayor, Moscone stood out for his support of civil rights, appointing over his term a number of people from groups that had largely been underrepresented in City Hall. Among his appointments was gay rights icon Harvey Milk to the city’s Board of Permit Appeals. Beyond civil rights, Moscone advocated for increased public access to the San Francisco waterfront and is credited with convincing the Giants to remain in the city.

George Moscone died on November 27, 1978, less than three years into his mayoral term. He was the victim of a shooting by Dan White, a disgruntled former member of the Board of Supervisors who, shortly after assassinating Moscone, proceeded to murder Milk. Moscone has largely been overshadowed by Milk in the decades since. However, in recent years, a play has sought to preserve the memory of the former mayor, and a public service institute named for him has been founded to promote the causes that Moscone worked to advance in his lifetime.

Bernard P. Hagan

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Bernard P Hagan professional career focused on the real estate industry, which began with a position at Westlake Realtors.

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