by ELENI BALAKRISHNAN JULY 9, 2024 (MissionLocal.org)
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Here’s the latest in our “Meet the Candidates” series for District 5, in which we ask each candidate to answer one question per week leading up to the election. Four candidates are challenging incumbent Supervisor Dean Preston to represent District 5, which spans from the east end of Golden Gate Park through Haight-Ashbury, Japantown and the Western Addition, the Lower Haight and Hayes Valley, and most of the Tenderloin.
Some say San Francisco has too many cumbersome rules, so this week we asked candidates: Which San Francisco law would you get rid of, and why?
Note: I will be at Assembly Café & Beer Garden at 52 Grove St. on Wednesday, July 10 at 4:30 p.m. Come say hi and share your thoughts about the election or District 5.
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Dean Preston
- Job: Incumbent, tenant attorney
- Age: 54
- Residency: Homeowner, in District 5 since 1996
- Transportation: Public transit
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College, juris doctor degree from University of California Law, San Francisco
- Languages: English
I would get rid of the exemptions in our local rent-control laws that leave more than 100,000 households without protections and decontrol rents after vacancy.
Unfortunately, because of a state law known as Costa Hawkins, written by and for the real estate industry, our local government does not have the power to adopt stronger rent control. This November, we have the opportunity to pass the Justice for Renters Act, a state ballot measure that would repeal Costa Hawkins and end state preemption of strong rent control. That will restore power to our city to lower rents and protect more tenants.
Endorsed by: Bernie Sanders, United Educators of San Francisco, San Francisco Labor Council, San Francisco Tenants Union, National Union of Healthcare Workers.
Scotty Jacobs
- Job: Marketing
- Age: 30
- Residency: Tenant in District 5 since November 2022, homeowner
- Transportation: Public bicycle
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Washington University
- Languages: English
We must refer undocumented, convicted drug dealers to ICE.
As we look toward an $800 million budget shortfall in fiscal year 2025, we cannot keep increasing spending on services as our sole solution to the addiction crisis; we must also dismantle the root cause, which begins with the distribution of illegal narcotics. I will advocate for a fully funded police department, harsher sentencing guidelines for fentanyl distribution, and ultimately do whatever it takes to signal to my fellow San Franciscans and the business community that we are getting serious about tackling the addiction crisis.
Allen Jones
- Job: Activist
- Age: 67
- Residency: Tenant in District 5 since November 2021
- Transportation: Wheelchair
- Education: Teaching Bible studies at juvenile hall
- Languages: English
With all due respect, I do not look to “get rid of” any San Francisco laws.
That said, there are a few heads of some of our departments and agencies and one lawmaker in particular that I would like to replace. Why? No confidence.
Autumn Looijen
- Job: School board recall co-founder
- Age: 46
- Residency: Tenant in District 5 since December 2020, landowner
- Transportation: Public transit
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from California Institute of Technology
- Languages: English
[No response submitted.]
Endorsed by: San Francisco police union.
Bilal Mahmood
- Job: Founder of private and philanthropic organizations
- Age: 37
- Residency: Tenant in District 5 since May 2023
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, master’s degree from University of Cambridge
- Languages: English, Urdu
I would advocate for expanding mixed-use zoning policies. Currently, the city’s zoning often separates residential and commercial areas, limiting opportunities for integrated development.
Mixed-use zoning allows for a blend of residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial spaces within neighborhoods. This approach promotes walkability, reduces commuting times, and encourages economic diversity. By utilizing space more efficiently, we could alleviate housing shortages and support small businesses. Ultimately, it aims to create dynamic urban environments where people can live, work, and enjoy recreational activities in close proximity, fostering a more sustainable and inclusive city.
Endorsed by: San Francisco YIMBY, State Senator Scott Wiener and DCCC Chair Honey Mahogany.
The order of candidates is rotated each week. Answers are capped at 100 words, and may be lightly edited for formatting, spelling, and grammar. If you have questions for the candidates, please let us know at eleni@missionlocal.com.
Read the entire “Meet the Candidates” series here. Illustrations for the series by Neil Ballard.
You can register to vote via the sf.gov website.
READ MORE CANDIDATE ANSWERS
Meet the Candidates: San Francisco’s District 5 supervisor race
ELENI BALAKRISHNAN
REPORTER. Eleni reports on policing in San Francisco. She first moved to the city on a whim more than 10 years ago, and the Mission has become her home. Follow her on Twitter @miss_elenius.More by Eleni Balakrishnan
