Meet the Candidates: San Francisco’s District 7 supervisor race

Myrna Melgar

• Job: District 7 supervisor
• Age: 56
• Housing: Homeowner
• Transport: Bike
• Languages: Spanish, French, Swedish
• Education: Bachelor’s degree, Excelsior College; master’s degree in urban planning, Columbia University
• Residency:  Living in Ingleside Terraces since 2011, and lived in District 7 while in college at SF State between 1987 and 1991

Stephen Martin-Pinto

• Job: Firefighter/major, U.S. Marine Corps reserves
• Age: 46 
• Housing: Tenant in SF, property owner and landlord in Lemon Grove, California
• Transport: Fairly evenly split between car, Muni and walking
• Languages: Spanish, Russian, Georgian
• Education: University of California, Davis
• Residency: Living in District 7’s Sunnyside since 2014, and earlier from 1983 to 1998

Matt Boschetto

• Job: Small business owner
• Age: 35
• Housing: Homeowner
• Transport: Car
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in philosophy, Saint Mary’s College of California
• Residency: Living in District 7 since 2014

Stephen Martin-Pinto

What are often pejoratively described as “sweeps” are actually a coordinated response between Department of Public Health, Homeless Outreach Teams, and law enforcement. Every reasonable attempt is made to find accommodations for homeless individuals. However, the laws must be enforced. We, as citizens, have the right to safe passage on sidewalks without stepping over feces, needles, and litter. We cannot have a system in which laws apply differently to different classes of people. Homeless individuals, ultimately, must exercise some degree of responsibility and accountability for themselves, and respect for each other’s different communities, homeless and local residents, must be reciprocated.

Matt Boschetto

I understand there are a lot of reasons why people end up unhoused or sleeping on our streets. Many have tragic stories but, as a city, we can’t allow people to take over our streets. I support disruption. City encampments have been condoned for far too long by the city, and its residents have had enough. Condoned encampments: A) Encourage drug tourism, B) Attract homeless people from around the country to take advantage of our tolerance, C) Are a public safety and health hazard, D) Sometimes shield criminal activity including storage for drugs, weapons and stolen goods, E) generate ongoing … read more here

Myrna Melgar

I co-sponsored my colleague Rafael Mandelman’s Shelter for All legislation, because I want to see a dramatic expansion in our shelter capacity. The situation of people living on the sidewalk, under freeway overpasses, at the entrances of public spaces like libraries and schools is not conducive to homeless folks’ ultimate health and success, nor the public’s. Offering housing, or a viable path out of the street, is humane and consistent with our values, but occupying the public right of way is not a viable solution, and the City has a responsibility to address it. 

Matt Boschetto

Traffic safety is top of mind for District 7, especially because the current approach seems neither thoughtful nor effective. First, I’d advocate to stop wasting time on misguided traffic reengineering projects that have turned Taraval into a mess and sparked unnecessary conflict in West Portal. My priority would be to ensure SFPD has adequate resources for traffic stops, and direct them to enforce the laws rigorously. Secondly, I’d implement traffic-calming measures that have proven effective and have wider support. Moving away from the current ideological approach to one that focuses on data-driven solutions would have better outcomes for pedestrian safety. 

Myrna Melgar

We need enforcement of traffic laws, and we also need better physical infrastructure to slow speeders, particularly on streets that are wide and do not have the necessary traffic-calming tools, like Monterey, Clarendon, Teresita, Laguna Honda Boulevard, Ocean Avenue, Irving,  Kirkham, Lincoln and others. So many streets on the Westside have been deprioritized despite the danger, because the resources and improvements have gone to where there are numerically higher numbers of people on the streets: Downtown. We are making progress, though, and I will keep fighting for us.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

Quite simply, we need to have more enforcement. Police enforcement of traffic laws dropped precipitously over the last few years, most likely due to staffing issues and police commission policy. I would strongly advocate that all recent direct general orders changes made by the police commission related to traffic enforcement policy be rescinded, and the power of the police commission be reduced so that they no longer have influence over general orders. Along with intelligent traffic engineering and additional staffing, this will vastly improve driver behavior in San Francisco.

Myrna Melgar

Sophie Maxwell, who was such a fierce advocate and fighter for her community, and also supremely elegant and kind. Present: My work husband Rafael Mandelman. Rafael always puts in the work! He is thorough, hardworking, and patient. 

Stephen Martin-Pinto

I respect Quentin Kopp because he was an independent who never hesitated to express his opinions and take contrarian stances, Joel Engardio because he was tenacious  enough to knock on countless doors and run for office four times, Matt Dorsey because of his courage to propose unpopular but necessary legislation, Catherine Stefani because of her moderate voice, Rafael Mandelman because of his courage to dissent on the Cease-fire resolution, and even though I usually disagree with him, Aaron Peskin because of his quick responsiveness to emails, and also because he is probably the highest IQ elected official (which even his critics have to admit).

Matt Boschetto

I respect many past and present supervisors, but I particularly admire current Supervisor Dorsey for his steadfast efforts to address the highest priority issues in his district. His legislative record reflects his core values of serving his constituents above all. Supervisor Dorsey consistently challenges the status quo at City Hall to fulfill his promises to voters. While I do disagree with him on some topics, his beliefs are consistent and unwavering, not influenced by expediency. This principled approach to leadership is one I highly respect and aim to emulate as District 7 Supervisor.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

In hilltop neighborhoods, public transportation is sparse. Midtown Terrace, Forest Knolls, and Miraloma Park rely on only the 36 Teresita, and Golden Gate Heights relies on the 66 Quintara and the 6 Haight-Parnassus, all of which come relatively infrequently. The cost-versus-benefit ratio prevents more frequent service. However, if we can lower costs by using smaller SFMTA-paratransit-type vehicles to supplement service, operating costs can be lowered, and quality of service increased. Furthermore, transit can be significantly upgraded if the M-Ocean View is put underground and extended to Daly City BART, which will provide for high-volume rapid transit on the Westside.

Matt Boschetto

Did not respond.

Myrna Melgar

One specific transit shortcoming is the low frequency of North-South options on the Westside. The 18, 29, 28, 44 service all need to be improved.

Matt Boschetto

While the issues at Parkmerced reflect the foundational problems the city faces, they also illustrate the calculated indifference by the developer. Although Parkmerced is entitled to break ground, the high costs of entitling the project and shifting market dynamics make it financially unfeasible. This situation is true for many of the 70,000 units in the pipeline, posing a significant obstacle to increasing the city’s housing supply. Until we address the high soft costs imposed by our permitting process, housing development will continue at a snail’s pace, and we risk losing planning control to state housing advocates. I sympathize with the … read more here

Myrna Melgar

The two issues Parkmerced residents have complained about for the past four years are an increase in crime and security issues, and the lack of responsiveness from management regarding repairs. During the pandemic, vacancies went up, and the owner of the property cut back on services, including security. Squatters on the property have caused problems, and we have had serious and dangerous situations that have required police intervention. The problems with repairs have been serious, especially for seniors who live in the tower, as elevators were broken for weeks.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

There are several issues affecting Parkmerced that I believe are interrelated. Squatters occupying vacant units; RVs parked along Higuera Avenue, Vidal Drive, and Lake Merced Boulevard; and criminal activity happening in vacant units and RVs. The most immediate fixes include the removal of squatters from units, and RVs from neighborhood streets, in accordance with the Grants Pass ruling. This will reduce crime, illegal dumping, and dog attacks that some of the residents have told me that they have experienced. Then we need to commit to the Parkmerced residents that we will keep the vacant units free of squatters and streets clear of RVs.

Myrna Melgar

There has been a dramatic increase in people living in vehicles all over SF, so this is a bigger issue than District 7 alone can handle; we need a comprehensive plan and safe parking options. Winston and Lake Merced are roads, not designed for living, and it is unsafe for the community and the folks living there. The Department of Homelessness has placed 38 families into housing in the past 24 months, but more vehicles have come to take their place.  We must get people into housing and offer services, but it is now time to enforce parking restrictions.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

Firstly, I support the Grants Pass ruling, which corrected a radically restrictive interpretation of the Martin v. Boise ruling. That being said, it is time that parking restrictions are strictly enforced. We cannot have a system in which the law is applied unequally to different groups of people, regardless of social status. Furthermore, what is often pejoratively described as “sweeps” is actually a coordinated response between Department of Public Health, Homeless Outreach Teams, and Law enforcement. This has been done before in 2019 on De Wolf Street in the Outer Mission. We did it before, we can do it again on Winston Avenue.

Matt Boschetto

Did not respond.

Matt Boschetto

While I appreciate the effort to engage voters on the Great Highway’s future, I believe removing cars entirely isn’t the best solution. It’s great that we can discuss this important issue and envision a better version of the cherished stretch of San Francisco. However, cars remain crucial for many, including blue-collar workers, the elderly, and those with accessibility needs. Removing them could reduce livability not only for these groups, but all San Franciscans. Instead, let’s work towards a multi-modal future that enhances infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, improves beach access, and maintains vehicle access for all.

Myrna Melgar

A park running the length of the Westside, along the Ocean, allowing people to walk, bike, be together along the waves opens up so many opportunities! I am excited by the possibilities.  Along with my colleague representing the Sunset, Supervisor Engardio, we have placed it on the ballot for the voters to weigh in.  

Stephen Martin-Pinto

I support the current solution of closure on weekends only. I believe we can have a compromise that offers the most satisfactory solution for the most people. Keeping Great Highway open on weekdays is ideal for commuters, and keeps cars out of the neighborhood, away from cross traffic and pedestrians. Furthermore, the uninterrupted steady flow of traffic on Great Highway means better fuel economy. However, it can be closed on weekends so that bicyclists and pedestrians can use it. I also think it could be a draw for Outer Sunset businesses, especially during warm summer days.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

I do not support the Frida Kahlo bike lane as proposed. I have concerns that SFMTA did not hold community meetings in good faith, and outreach was done only as a formality to sell its proposal. Furthermore, this proposal is incomplete and currently ends at the MUNI turnaround, sending bicyclists into the very dangerous Geneva-Ocean-Frida Kahlo intersection. Bicycle traffic needs to be diverted onto the much-safer Lee Avenue extension immediately south of Archbishop Riordan High School, where it will connect with Holloway Avenue. If safety is truly the concern, the Lee to Holloway connection needs to be completed immediately, but it’s unclear … read more here

Myrna Melgar

I unequivocally support the Frida Kahlo bicycle and transit improvements. It will benefit the City College climate action plan and advance what we must do in District 7, which is make progress on building infrastructure that helps more people get around while being less dependent on cars.

Matt Boschetto

Like many residents in District 7, I support safer roads and better public transit. However, the SFMTA has often ignored neighborhood voices, sidelining those most affected by their plans. For instance, the CCSF Board of Trustees proposed alternate solutions for Frida Kahlo Way, but these were repeatedly ignored. This exclusive process leads to overreach, potentially harming more city corridors. A more democratic approach would yield effective, locally supported solutions. I support the neighbors and CCSF trustees’ calls for a solution that has the support of all stakeholders, and urge the SFMTA and City Hall to engage inclusively with District 7 residents.

Matt Boschetto

San Francisco’s children are its most precious asset, yet many families are leaving due to failed leadership and bad policies. As a father, I am committed to making our city more livable for families by addressing public safety, affordability and educational improvements. Simply throwing more money into programs for kids will do nothing unless we also address the foundational failures of City Hall. I will work to restore our sense of safety, reduce living costs and ensure our educational system is world-class, making sure the city is a place where families and children can thrive.

Myrna Melgar

I will ensure that public funding intended to support children is protected during tough budget years, and children’s needs are elevated. As a supervisor, our children’s success has been my top priority, from co-sponsoring the Children’s Success Fund, to serving on the First Five Commission, to forming the Department of Early Childhood, and protecting baby Proposition C to create a universal childcare system, children have been at the top of my legislative agenda. I was recognized this year as a children’s champion by the Children’s Council for my work at the board on behalf of our city’s children.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

End the lottery system for public-school admissions. Ensure every kid has guaranteed admission to their nearest available public school.

Advocate for high-quality public education to include early algebra, art, music and foreign language immersion opportunities.

Guarantee safe passage for all students. No stepping over needles, feces, or through open-air drug markets, by passing legislation prohibiting such activity within 1,000 feet of all schools.

Expand access to after-school programs such as Police Athletic League sports and other youth programs.

For older students, expand vocational opportunities by linking them with CityBuild and City … read more here

Myrna Melgar

I agree, in general, that we have too many boards and commissions, and that some are not effective or productive and require resources and staff time that is limited. Some of these commissions are productive, and the oversight they provide is good. Some are necessary; some, like First Five, for example, are mandated by the State of California. This ballot initiative sets forth a process for eliminating the bodies we may not need, and puts a cap on the number we can create. I have not yet taken a position on this proposition, because it also does more than eliminate boards … read more here

Stephen Martin-Pinto

The proposal is an immense step in the right direction, and there is little in the proposal that I don’t agree with. We have an absurdly high number of commissions, both chartered and unchartered, that provide little to no value to San Franciscans (except to perhaps elevate the careers of politically ambitious or well-connected people). I also support giving the police chief full authority to adopt rules governing police tactics. The police commission has become too obstructionist and political, and has severely crippled public safety. I also support giving the mayor authority to appoint a percentage of the commissioners without the Board of Supervisors’ approval.

Matt Boschetto

Did not respond.

Matt Boschetto

San Francisco’s housing challenge is complex, requiring a balance between growth and maintaining our city’s unique character. While I support increasing housing to meet state mandates and help with affordability, I believe the Planning Commission’s proposed zoning changes have caused unnecessary political tension. The current approach risks dividing our community instead of fostering collaborative solutions. We can meet our housing goals by focusing on less contentious areas, using targeted incentives, and recognizing the economic challenges we face. Together, we can build the housing we need while preserving the neighborhoods we love.

Myrna Melgar

The proposed map for the upzoning plan still needs more work.  We need to show the state zone capacity for more units consistent with our commitment in the housing element.  However, it needs to be consistent with other parts of the housing element, for example, adding housing on commercial and transit corridors, and underutilized land.  I look forward to seeing the next draft before considering scheduling it at the land use committee.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

The plan needs further refinement. It does not consider limitations of street size and geologic conditions. For example, the upzoning along 19th Avenue from Ocean Avenue to Junipero Serra Boulevard does not actually occur there, but rather on Stonecrest and Denslowe Drives, two narrow residential streets. It would be more appropriate to shift this to the west side of 19th Avenue. The greenbelt on Junipero Serra should remain. Brotherhood Way, another greenbelt and site of a former creek, is not ideal for high rise development. Development needs to be concentrated in Stonestown and Parkmerced, with height limits raised by a … read more here

Stephen Martin-Pinto

A lack of urgency by the SFMTA and poor judgement in planning has delayed project completion. First, there are too many stops. The industry standard for light-rail stops is no closer than a quarter of a mile apart. The new L-Taraval has stops spaced as close as an eighth of a mile. More stops, most of which were made ADA-accessible, means longer construction time and more parking spaces removed. Secondly, construction should have been approached with urgency — nearly round-the-clock construction, seven days a week, until the L-Taraval is back online, so impact to merchants is mitigated. I wrote about it in detail here.

Myrna Melgar

Infrastructure repairs can be disruptive, and the L-Taraval improvement project is no exception. However, it will be completed on time and within budget. Train service will be restored in September from the ocean to downtown with repaved roads, redone ADA-accessible islands, and safety improvements, which is good for everyone on the Westside. We were able to provide mitigation funds to Taraval businesses for their temporary loss of income. I asked the budget analyst for a study to help us in creating a fund for businesses experiencing disruption during these types of projects in the future.

Matt Boschetto

San Francisco’s vibrancy depends on thriving small businesses and common-sense planning. The L-Taraval project exemplifies SFMTA’s overreach and lack of due diligence. This issue isn’t confined to Taraval Street; similar experiences occur citywide, marked by contract disputes and unforeseen project additions and, consequently, delays. The worst part is the disregard for small business owners, who suffer the most from these major disruptions. Moving forward, we must ensure the MTA properly vets its projects and considers the interests of all San Franciscans. We need a balance that fosters small business vibrancy and uses common sense when improving our city.

Myrna Melgar

D7 is home to several neighborhood commercial districts and a very successful Stonestown mall. While still recovering from the pandemic, our commercial corridors are thriving and have low vacancy rates. I have supported the recovery of our neighborhood businesses by: Implementing an ambassador program on West Portal, Irving and Ocean; wrote the legislation for the Graffiti abatement program; worked to codify the rules on shared spaces; got funding for businesses affected by fire on West Portal and Irving, secured funding to support success for the Ocean Ave association, and worked with Lakeside neighbors to support and fund their revitalization efforts.

Matthew Boschetto

Small businesses are the heart and soul of San Francisco’s West Side. Being the owners of Matilda’s Bloombox for over eight years, we know how hard it is to succeed here. An open storefront doesn’t alone signify success. Many owners struggle to make ends meet in a city increasingly hostile to small businesses. Failures to address public safety, burdensome planning processes, and excessive taxes have left many struggling. Even worse, people are opening businesses elsewhere. We must ensure our city’s actions protect small businesses, safeguarding San Francisco’s rich and diverse tapestry.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

The state of businesses varies from location to location. Stonestown seems to be thriving despite security concerns. Parkmerced mall was recently victim to a van smashing through a laundromat to steal an ATM machine. West Portal has become the latest battleground in the culture war between activists and local businesses, many of whom have existed for generations. Ocean Avenue is hanging on despite break-ins such as at Lucho’s. Inner Sunset is bouncing back fairly well. Every business district has slightly different concerns, but no matter what, security, street cleanliness, and accessibility remain top priorities for everyone. I will work with … read more here

Myrna Melgar

Prop. A: Yes. Affordable housing (cosponsored).

Prop. B: Yes. Police staffing.

Prop. C: Yes. Real estate transfer tax exemption for commercial property conversions to housing.

Prop. D: Yes. Ethics reforms.

Prop. E: Yes. Police department reforms.

Prop. F: No. Drug screening for public assistance recipients.

Prop. G: Yes. Algebra (cosponsored).

Matthew Boschetto

Prop. A: No.

Prop. B: No.

Prop. C: Yes.

Prop. D: Yes.

Prop. E: Yes.

Prop. F: Yes.

Prop. G: Yes.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

Prop. A: No. We have had several affordable-housing bond measures over the last few election cycles. At $1 million a unit, affordable housing isn’t affordable.  

Prop. B: No. With a $14.6 billion budget, paying for a fully staffed police department should be a basic expectation. 

Prop. C: Yes. We need to make it easier to convert office space into housing. 

Prop. D: Yes. Corruption and undue influence are issues in San Francisco.  

Prop. E: Yes. Unfortunately, our Board of Supervisors needs to be compelled to act on public safety matters by the voters.

Prop. F: Yes. It is not unreasonable to ask that recipients of benefits be sober or try to become sober.

Prop. G: Yes. Who in their right mind wouldn’t support early Algebra?

Stephen Martin-Pinto

The proposal doesn’t make sense; it’s very complex, confusing, and will lead to more frustration for patrons, merchants, and delivery drivers alike. Furthermore, nothing (besides the addition of bollards at the bus stop) would have prevented the tragic accident. It seems like a “throw everything at the wall and see what sticks” approach to traffic management. West Portal businesses are vulnerable; they have tight profit margins. The SFMTA seems intent on punishing them rather than addressing its own failures, such as the extremely long amount of time it has taken to complete the L Taraval project. I wrote about it more extensively here.

Myrna Melgar

I requested the West Portal Safety Improvement proposal from the MTA, and am glad to have Mayor Breed’s support. Most folks understand we need to improve safety at that intersection, and support the goals. Over the next few weeks, we will be working with merchants and neighbors to address pain points and concerns, and I am confident the outcome will make the intersection and the corridor better and safer.  We are also improving the look of the station, installing cameras and lighting. We want to show SF and the world that West Portal is safe, welcoming and a great place to visit.

Matthew Boschetto

The recent tragedy that claimed a young family’s lives in West Portal shocked the entire city. The proposed traffic changes by SFMTA, pushed rapidly without adequate community input, only add to the consternation. While we all desire safer streets, the process must include those it impacts most: Local merchants and residents. At the core of the West Portal community, they seek thoughtful, effective solutions that respect their experiences and contributions to the neighborhood’s vitality. Let’s ensure changes enhance safety without undermining the community spirit that defines West Portal.

Myrna Melgar

I envision a welcoming West Portal corridor that accommodates apartments above ground-floor commercial spaces to accommodate people downsizing, and new younger residents. Decades ago, we zoned West Portal to restrict financial services, and capped height to 27 feet, so most buildings are one-story. Today, financial services are abandoning spaces because people use ATMs. West Portal is a major transit hub for the Westside of San Francisco, and we should encourage transit-oriented development while being thoughtful about mitigating any impacts on existing businesses.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

I’d like to see West Portal Avenue have the K-M lines be put underground in a new subway that extends at least past Saint Francis Circle. This will make room for widened sidewalks, more pedestrian traffic and more open spaces with greenery, while maintaining the parking required for businesses. I think two to four stories is an appropriate height for buildings on the 000-200 block of West Portal Avenue, with taller four- to six-story buildings on the 300 and 400 blocks. A mix of market-rate studios and one- to three-bedroom apartments with commercial ground floor space is ideal. Often overlooked, but also ideal for re-purposing into housing, is the nearby Ardenwood facility.

Matt Boschetto

Did not respond.

Matt Boschetto

Did not respond.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

Many have an opinion on this legislation, but very few seem to understand it. The original draft was quite ambitious; it placed numerical density limits in the entire area northeast of Columbus Avenue and north of Washington Street, which I wouldn’t have supported. However, it was modified to include only two small historic districts: Jackson Square and North-East Waterfront, home to many buildings from the 1800s. Historic buildings can still be converted into housing according to form-based density limits — as many units as the building envelope will allow, while preserving exterior appearance. I support Peskin’s legislation in its amended form.

Myrna Melgar

I voted against the legislation to reimpose restrictions in certain areas of District 3. The legislation exempted affluent neighborhoods where we should be adding housing, particularly affordable housing. We have committed to building 83,000 housing units in SF over the next decade; half of that should be affordable. If we build less in a particular area, then more has to be built elsewhere. We have agreed to retain certain restrictions in some neighborhoods: The Mission, Chinatown, Fillmore, Bayview, etc., because past government policies have concentrated density in those areas. Everywhere else, we should be building more housing.

Myrna Melgar

We are 500 officers short of the last Prop. E (2019) established number. At the Taraval station, we are currently at 66% staffing. We have been filling the gap through overtime for years.  This is bad for police response times, public safety, for individual employees and for any police reform efforts, as staff who are tired and overworked are having to make decisions. I support increasing our staffing levels, including hiring more women, as the Chief has pledged, and more bilingual officers.

Matt Boschetto

While I do believe in the need to increase police staffing, I do not think it is the only obstacle the SFPD faces in fulfilling its mandate and restoring the rule of law. It is just as important to address the other choke points, like encumbering paperwork, operational red tape, and a lack of resources. While full staffing is a very important marker to be reached, we must make sure to support the police fully as they strive to provide a crucial and basic service to the city of San Francisco.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

I absolutely support hiring more police officers. However, it is not enough to simply hire more; the Police Commission must also be reformed. It has become too obstructionist and political, and frequently interferes with the ability of the police to effectively do their job by placing excessive limitations on police tactics. Under my proposal, the Police Commission would no longer be able to do this; their role would mirror the fire commission’s: Advisory only, and disciplinary when necessary. Any change in tactics would come from the police chief, be vetted by the city attorney, and immediately enacted on approval without police commission involvement.

Matt Boschetto

As a small business owner, I have relied on my community in the West Side and across the city to build a grassroots movement that hopes to be a voice for District 7 and help bring balance back to City Hall. With my family living in Miraloma Park for five generations, I am very thankful for all who know me and have rallied behind our campaign. While challenging the political establishment is tough, we are showing that it is possible for the everyday citizenry to stand up and run a competitive race that has a great shot at victory in November.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

A look at my list of donors would produce no remarkable findings — they are all private citizens unaffiliated with any political-action committee or special-interest group. Furthermore, they include Democrats, Republicans, politically independent moderates and everyone in between. My endorsements, similarly, come from across the political spectrum; I have Democrat, Republican, and No-Party-Preference endorsers, which is unique among candidates. My message transcends political party and goes right to what people care about most: Our city. For many voters, I’m the first non-Democratic candidate they have ever supported. This is precisely why I have the best supporters because they put city over party.

Myrna Melgar

As of the end of March, I have raised more money than I did for my entire campaign in 2020. I have early endorsements from the SF Labor Council, and its members, UESF, SEIU 1021, 2015, as well as trade unions: Teamsters, laborers and carpenters. I also got an early endorsement from the SF Tenants Union. I have endorsements from my colleagues on both “sides of the aisle,” and from folks who are endorsing me for the first time, like Senator Scott Weiner and Assemblymember Phil Ting.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

As long as we have humans living in cities, there will always, unfortunately, be accidents. Furthermore, it’s important to let the facts come out in this case before we can declare ourselves experts in preventing this kind of accident from happening again. However, here are some ideas:

• Eliminate bulb-out bus stops that more closely expose passengers to traffic. Replace with pocket bus stops.
• Use a combination of engineering and enforcement. Vision Zero has failed precisely because we’ve chosen haphazard engineering with zero enforcement — we decided enforcement was discriminatory, so we stopped doing it. Now, people are paying the price with their lives.

Myrna Melgar

We have seen a plummeting of enforcement of moving violations during the pandemic, due to low staffing at the SFPD. We need enforcement, and we need to slow the cars down. Additionally, we absolutely must invest in physical infrastructure to reduce deaths and injuries from traffic violence: bulb-outs, bollards (concrete and metal) at bus stops and corner crosswalks in high injury corridors, concrete dividers, and pedestrianizing high traffic areas where pedestrians are at risk and we want to prioritize public transit and other modes of transportation.

Matt Boschetto

The tragedy last weekend is beyond words, and raises serious questions about our approach to pedestrian safety. With traffic fatalities remaining relatively unchanged since 2014, and with a high of 39 in 2022, City Hall and Vision Zero have been ineffective addressing the issue and public safety, in general. As Supervisor, I promise to work with the SFMTA to identify all dangerous zones in our district and take precautions to make sure we avoid tragedies like this, as much as possible. Furthermore, I will work with SFPD to reestablish traffic enforcement, especially in problematic areas.

Myrna Melgar

Corruption flourishes with two main ingredients: There is something to be gained through corruption, and there are bad systems in place to prevent it. I have worked, and will continue to work, on both. We must make our system less cumbersome and slow, to make breaking the rules less attractive as a shortcut, and we also need to make better use of technology to strengthen our systems.

Matt Boschetto

As District 7 Supervisor, I will push for more financial transparency at City Hall. I believe that every San Franciscan has the right to access all city data, and with transparency comes accountability. Not only do we need performance audits across all city departments, nonprofits and contractors, but their books should be easily accessible to the public. Democratizing this data, so all residents can access and understand it, will put a spotlight on the financial inefficiencies of the city and promote fiscal honesty. When public trust is breached, we should aggressively pursue criminal charges to deter further behavior.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

• Greatly reduce the size of government by eliminating and consolidating unnecessary and redundant commissions and departments.
• End no-bid contracting that gives money to favored city hall contractors.
• Require zero-based budgeting for all nonprofits. All nonprofits contracting with SF shall start with a budget of zero dollars and must justify, line by line, every dollar requested from SF.
• Give the mayor line-item veto power over individual budget expense proposals and individual bill provisions.
• Require background and credit checks for all commissioner appointees.
• Require strict metric-based evaluations for all city programs and departments.
• Do need assessments for every city position and eliminate unnecessary ones.

Matt Boschetto

As a candidate for D7 supervisor, I am laser-focused on my race so I can be the voice our district needs at City Hall. Running for mayor of San Francisco is a major undertaking and I applaud all the candidates for stepping up and putting themselves on the line. I am willing to work with each of the candidates running so I can be an effective agent of change for the West Side. Whoever wins, I am confident in my ability to work with the next mayor to achieve results and advance the priorities of District 7 residents.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

As of today, I’m ranking Lurie or Farrell in first or second place (still undecided) and Breed in third place. Breed is saying all the right things now, but this is relatively recent; she wasn’t there for us when we needed her the most, 4 years ago. As a leader, she hasn’t been proactive but reactive. Lurie, although an outsider, is inexperienced and seemed like he decided to run before he figured out his messaging. This has since changed, and his messaging has become much stronger. Farrell bears some responsibility for our current situation, but is experienced and has strong messaging.

Myrna Melgar

As the list of candidates for the upcoming November election develops, I’m eagerly waiting to hear their plans on how they will manage the city to address our pressing issues, including the safety of our neighborhoods and the lack of affordable housing. I will support the candidate willing to work together with the Supervisors to come up with practical solutions instead of indulging in political bickering.

Matt Boschetto

As District 7 Supervisor, I will work with the Planning Department to incentivize the completion of large projects that have community support, like Stonestown and Parkmerced. There are many opportunity zones and projects in the District 7 pipeline that can be developed with the support of neighbors, and without replacing sound housing stock. While accessible housing is the biggest line item in the affordability crisis, we must take care not to continually over-politicize it and forward a balanced policy, one that supports the completion of projects with consideration for who and what is already there.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

The city must reform burdensome permitting processes for housing developments before any district is to make any substantive progress. SF Chronicle claims that it requires 87 permits, many of which are redundant and contradictory, to develop a project. These permits must be deconflicted and reduced in number, and we must employ a split-permitting process. Parkmerced and Stonestown have proposals for the addition of several thousand new units total, which I support. We can add stories to buildings on corridors such as West Portal and Ocean Avenues while protecting and preserving our single family home and historic park neighborhoods.

Myrna Melgar

District 7 must build all kinds of housing to help San Francisco meet its targets, but it must also do it to meet the needs of our own people today and tomorrow.  We have a diverse population; we need housing for middle-class folks, and we need low-income housing.  We need larger units for families, and we also have an aging population so we need smaller units for seniors. We need housing for students; District 7 is home to SFSU, City College and UCSF. This past year we made it much easier for homeowners to add in-law units… read more here

Matt Boschetto

Small businesses are the economic backbone of the City. As a small business owner, I know how tough this city can be for a business to operate, get permits, find the right space – and thrive. I’ve also learned that leading a team, keeping track of the bottom line, and focusing on achieving your goals are the keys to success. If I don’t balance our flower business’s budget wisely, we’ll lose the business. Every decision I make impacts the livelihood of our employees. I promise to bring a small businessowner’s sense of accountability, adaptability, and authenticity in the role of Supervisor.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

Since 2016, I’ve had leadership roles in D7, as president of Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and West of Twin Peaks Central Council. I’ve established personal relationships with neighborhood representatives and together we’ve worked to address a variety of local issues. I’ve served on the Veteran Affairs Commission since 2019, co-authoring legislation and working with supervisors and the mayor’s office to get it passed. As a 21-year veteran of the US Marine Corps, I’ve been a foreign military advisor, negotiating with partner nations, making compromises and deals that serve both of our interests. Few candidates have the leadership experience that I have.

Myrna Melgar

My work as Supervisor is to help District 7 constituents successfully access City services and to legislate for the City as a whole. I am a mother of 3 girls who grew up going to school and playing in District 7. Our synagogue is here. I love my neighbors, the community that my family is connected to:  I am accountable to them. 

I know the legislative process well;  before I was elected Supervisor, I worked for two different members of the Board of Supervisors, and for Mayor Newsom in the Mayor’s Office of Housing. I served as a commissioner for … read more here

Matt Boschetto

Trying to build a business and raise a family in SF, I became very frustrated by the politics of our city. For decades City Hall has been dominated by professional politicians who have prioritized ideology and career trajectories over the needs of their constituents. By challenging an incumbent, I am challenging that status quo, taking the power away from the establishment, and putting it back into the hands of the people. And I hope I will not be the only one – I hope to see others like me join this political process and serve the city we love.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

We need working-class, blue-collar representation. I’ve been a union ironworker, US Marine, and SF firefighter. I’ve seen first-hand the end results of how our city policies play out. I have unique real-world experiences and common sense perspectives that very few in politics have and will offer pragmatic solutions. We need someone with a vested personal interest in San Francisco; I was born and raised here, attended public schools here (Lowell High School) and have family here. I started this campaign myself; it’s neither a political arrangement nor a career move. I’m running because I actually care and want to improve San Francisco.

Myrna Melgar

I am running again because I want to continue serving my community. I think that my particular set of skills, knowledge and relationships are useful for District 7 as we navigate this period in the life of our city. Over the past 4 years, I have prioritized the very diverse needs of D7 through the pandemic and the recovery — and delivered on safety, support for small businesses, housing, transportation, support for families with children and seniors. We are not out of the woods just yet, but I am proud of my legislative record, and the constituent services my office has … read more here

Matt Boschetto

I want District 7 residents to feel safe on our streets and in our homes, protected by the San Francisco Police Department and our city government. At a time when funding is stretched thin and full police staffing is years away, our community voice has never mattered more. I will work hand-and-hand with D7 neighborhoods to revitalize community watch programs, advocate for City Hall to support them and work closely with precinct captains to run operations to fight specific crimes, like retail theft. Finally, I support the use of technology, like drones and cameras, to help police fulfill their mandate to keep us all safe.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

The drug markets, because it reaches into so many of the major issues facing San Francisco today, let alone the staggering cost to human lives. I have personally witnessed the human tragedy at ground level as a firefighter/EMT, and have personally administered Narcan to users who have overdosed. Normally, we’re able to revive them, but sometimes we’re not, even as their dealer is standing nearby. Witnessing the death of a drug overdose victim always stays with you. We need stronger policies and legislation against dealers to include deportation and Alexandra’s Law, all while offering abstinence-based treatment to users.

Myrna Melgar

My number one issue is to maintain District 7 as San Francisco’s best district to live, work, do business and go to school in.  Our City is changing; the pandemic also changed us. Safety issues are paramount, especially on our commercial corridors, while staffing in our police precincts is at an all time low.  We have successfully implemented a police ambassador program, funded neighborhood based safety programs and police overtime. My office has worked with City departments, Stonestown mall and the school district on a coordinated response to youth violence at the mall. I will support all strategies proven to support the safety and the feeling of safety for the D7 community.