Memoirs of Peter Boudoures Chapter 49 George Christopher Consults with Boudoures

Mayor George Christopher

While I was in Greece in 1945, I learned that George Christopher, one of our fine young Greek American citizens of San Francisco, had declared his candidacy for the Board of Supervisors. Though I knew him, we were never very close. I wired Jim Baldas to contribute money to his campaign and to do all he could for him. Fortunately for him, Greeks in general had developed a good reputation as a result of their victories in Albania. The Greek name was riding high. Christopher was elected. He came in last out of six candidates elected to the Board that year. When I returned to San Francisco he would visit me in my restaurant from time to time and we got a little better acquainted.

In mid 1947 George Christopher came into the restaurant with my bosom friend, Dr. Peter Angel to talk to me. Dr. Angel took the initiative and said, "Peter, we're seriously thinking of having George Christopher run for Mayor." That year the incumbent Mayor, Roger Lapham, who had served for one term, declared himself out of the race. The candidate favored to win the election was Judge Elmer Robinson. Another candidate was Frank Havenner, who had served as a Supervisor, Insurance Commissioner and, I believe, as Congressman. I asked Dr. Angel what he expected of me. He began by elaborating on the success George had on the Board of Supervisors. Then he referred to the fact that I was friendly with Charles Skouras of Los Angeles who had a lot of influence. His company was spending a lot of money advertising in the San Francisco Examiner Newspaper. He suggested that perhaps I could go to Mr. Skouras and ask for his help. Skouras could go to San Simeon and ask William Hearst, who was the owner of the Examiner, to support George in the upcoming election for Mayor.

I responded by saying to them, "I'm sorry to tell you that I cannot do what you are asking me to do. To begin with, Skouras is not obligated to me in any shape or form. I have not done anything for Skouras. To the contrary, the Skouras Brothers have done much for me. They have helped me gain much renown and publicity that I would not have otherwise gotten. More importantly, knowing Charles Skouras as well as I do, if I made such a request it would cost me his friendship. Afterward, when I called him, his secretary would say he's out. Whatever I did for the Greek War Relief was for Mother Greece and not for Skouras, or any other individual."

I then turned to George and said, "George, I'm talking to you as if you were my brother. Don't do it, don't run this time. To be elected Mayor you must have good financial support. There aren't enough Greeks to furnish the money required for the campaign. You must have the support of the Down Town Association, the Chamber of Commerce and the support of labor. You're doing well on the Board. Stay there longer. Keep up the good work. Make additional connections and there will be a time for you to run in the future." Fortunately for him, he took my advice. He did not declare his candidacy. He remained on the Board and continued to do good work and develop a good reputation.