District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder is reportedly on a "medical leave of absence," according to her staff, who are asking the public to give her "time and space." This announcement came on the heels of swirling rumors about a possible resignation — rumors that her office has not exactly done a bang-up job of putting to rest.

Let's be clear about two things upfront. First, everyone deserves compassion when dealing with health issues. That's not up for debate. Second — and this is where it gets uncomfortable — being an elected official is not a regular job. You don't just get to go dark on the people who voted for you without some basic level of transparency about what's happening and who's minding the store.

District 9 residents in the Mission, Bernal Heights, and Portola didn't elect Fielder's staff. They elected her. And while her office is presumably still operational, San Francisco's Board of Supervisors makes consequential votes on budgets, housing policy, and public safety on a regular basis. Every empty seat is a district without full representation.

The City Charter doesn't have a clear-cut mechanism for extended supervisorial medical leave, which raises practical governance questions. Who is casting votes on behalf of D9? What happens if this extends weeks or months? At what point does "time and space" start to conflict with the obligation to serve?

We're not asking Fielder to release her medical records. We're asking for what any employer — in this case, the voters — would reasonably expect: a general timeline, a clear plan for constituent services, and honest communication about whether she intends to return or step down.

The resignation rumors didn't materialize out of thin air. If Fielder is considering stepping down, that's her right. But stringing constituents along while they lack full representation at City Hall isn't compassion — it's a disservice to the democratic process.

Get well soon, Supervisor. But please, keep the people who elected you in the loop.