Between now and the November election, Mission Local is asking each District 3 candidate one question per week, and candidates will get 100 words to respond. We will compile all responses to the 40-odd questions on a “Meet the Candidates” page, so that voters can get a full picture of their stances.
Because Supervisor Aaron Peskin terms out next January, six candidates have filed to run for the seat to lead District 3, which includes North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square, the Financial District, Russian Hill and Nob Hill.
JConr B. Ortega has dropped out of the District 3 race; Wendy Ha Chau recently joined.
Have a question for the candidates? Meet me on Thursday, June 20, at 5 p.m. at Cafe Encore, 488 Post St. Email me at yujie@missionlocal.com.
Question this week: Would you be willing to take more homeless housing in District 3?
Sharon Lai
- Job: Economic recovery leader at the World Economic Forum, former board member at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
- Age: 41
- Residency: Tenant and owner, living in District 3 since 2023, first moved to SF in 2005
- Transportation: Walk and Muni when solo, drive when with kids
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of California, Berkeley, development studies and city and regional planning; master’s degree in public administration, Harvard Kennedy School
- Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese
Yes.
Endorsed by: Community Tenants Association, Teamsters Joint Council 7, 7 of the current Board of Supervisors … read more here
Eduard Navarro
- Job: Tech startup founder
- Age: 44
- Residency: Tenant in District 3 since December 2021
- Transportation: Walking, public transportation
- Education: CFA Institute: Chartered Financial Analyst, passed level 1. Master’s degree from Columbia University, architecture, concentration in urban design. Master’s degree from Columbia University, real estate development, concentrating in finance. Ecole d’Architecture de La Villette. Bachelor’s degree in architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology.
- Languages: Spanish, French, German, English, Valèncian (Catalan)
The better question is, how should we think about homelessness?
Public space belongs to all of us, and should not be occupied permanently; it should be clean and safe.
Simultaneously, but separately, we must address homelessness with a sophisticated approach. For those financially challenged, most neighbors are happy to help. However, for those dealing with or recovering from substance abuse, mental health, or other issues, it’s the government’s role to provide proper institutions. We need institutions in District 3 that are responsible, professional, and supportive. Such facilities could become points of pride, enhancing our community and setting a model for … read more here
Danny Sauter
- Job: Executive Director, Neighborhood Centers Together
- Age: 35
- Residency: Tenant in District 3 since 2014
- Transportation: Public transportation
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Miami University
- Languages: English, Cantonese
Yes. Every district needs to do its part to offer recovery and shelter to meet our homelessness crisis.
The vast majority of District 3 residents support homeless housing, but they also want — and deserve — assurance that these services will be well-run and will be effective in leading to stable, long-term housing outcomes. Today, we’re short on results, even as spending on homelessness has surged.
I’ll work to ensure any proposals are done in partnership with organizations with stellar records, clear guidelines are set to ensure a “good neighbor” policy, and that every dollar spent is put towards solving this crisis.
Endorsed by: Nor Cal Carpenters Union, Senator Scott Wiener, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, Operating Engineers Local 3 … read more here
Matthew Susk
- Job: Former lead with Divvy Homes
- Age: 32
- Residency: TIC owner, first moved to District 3 in 2007. 2007-2009 while in high school, 2014-2016 after college, 2023-present with his wife.
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University, master’s in business from Georgetown University
- Languages: English
I support more homeless housing in San Francisco if it includes strict performance monitoring and enforced abstinence. We need to promote accountability and offer customized treatment plans for those committed to recovery. This balanced approach addresses the challenges of homelessness, mental health, and addiction while ensuring community safety. By integrating these measures, we can foster a supportive environment that encourages recovery and stability for the homeless population and safety for the neighborhoods.
Moe Jamil
- Job: Deputy city attorney, San Francisco City Attorney’s Office
- Age: 46
- Residency: Owner-occupied condo owner, living in District 3 since May 2014
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: University of California, Berkeley, and law school at Santa Clara University, K-12 public school
- Languages: English, Cantonese
District 3 has taken on its fair share of supportive housing for the unhoused, and I have not heard a desire for more from our district residents or local businesses. We must call on our state representatives and agencies to use the new Prop. 1 funding to build substance-abuse treatment facilities throughout California. Together, with more robust conservatorships, we can break the cycle of substance abuse, frequent-flier visits to the ER, drug overdoses and the tragic deaths of our unhoused neighbors.
Endorsed by: San Francisco Tenants Union, Teamsters Joint Council 7, Retired Assistant Police Chief Garrett Tom, Board President Aaron Peskin … read more here
Money raised and spent in the District 3 supervisor race
Money spent
Money raised
Sharon Lai
$9,493
$86,241
Danny Sauter
$7,904
$74,566
Moe Jamil
$16,015
$71,672
JConr B. Ortega
$0
Matthew Susk
$0
Eduard Navarro
$0
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
Money raised
Money spent
Sharon Lai
$9,493
$86,241
Danny Sauter
$7,904
$74,566
Moe Jamil
$16,015
$71,672
JConr B. Ortega
$0
Matthew Susk
$0
Eduard Navarro
$0
$0
$50K
$100K
$150K
$200K
Source: San Francisco Ethics Commission, as of April 3, 2024. Chart by Junyao Yang.
Answers may be lightly edited for formatting, spelling, and grammar. If you have questions for the candidates, please let us know at yujie@missionlocal.com.
Illustrations for the series by Neil Ballard.
You can register to vote via the sf.gov website.
