Welcome back to the “Meet the Candidates” series for District 11, where we ask each candidate to answer one question per week leading up to the election, with answers in about 100 words.
District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safaí is termed out and running for mayor and, so far, four candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to replace him as the representative of the Excelsior, Oceanview and the Outer Mission.
Here’s our second question: How will your life experiences help you in your work as supervisor?
Chyanne Chen
- Job: Worker organizer, community facilitator & educator
- Age: 39
- Residency: Homeowner, landlord, living in District 11 since August 2000
- Transportation: Walk, public transportation, rideshare, and car
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of California, Davis, master’s degree from Cornell University, doctoral degree in education in progress at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese
I’m an immigrant, a community organizer and a parent. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the challenges facing District 11 residents.
I’ve had to navigate language barriers, the public-education system and caregiving for my elderly parents. I have struggled with reliable transit and affordable childcare. Immigrant communities and working parents need much more support.
My work with broad coalitions has centered around everyday San Franciscans gaining access to resources and a seat at the table. My life experience has equipped me with the insights and empathy necessary to serve as a supervisor.
Endorsed by: Assemblymember Phil Ting, former police commissioner Larry Yee, San Francisco Board of Education commissioner Jenny Lam, former supervisors Norman Yee, Sandy Fewer and Mabel Teng.
Adlah Chisti
- Job: Public policy analyst, caregiver
- Age: 40
- Residency: Live with parents and caregive for them, born in District 11 in 1983 and lived there since, moved out in 2013 and back in 2017
- Transportation: Public
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in politics and in environmental science, and master’s degree in education from University of San Francisco, master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy, juris doctorate from University of California Law, San Francisco
- Languages: English, Spanish, Hindi
I have a Masters in Education from University of San Francisco, Masters of Public Policy from Georgetown University, and a Juris Doctor from University of California San Francisco Law (formerly Hastings), and have worked as an emergency dispatcher, environmental planner for Caltrans, a teacher at James Lick Middle School, and an educator at the Aim High program for 10 years.
I understand firsthand the challenges faced by families in our district. Born, raised and educated in District 11, I live in a multigenerational home with my two-year-old daughter and my elderly parents as their part time in-home support services worker. My life is … read more here
Ernest “E.J.” Jones
- Job: Community advocate
- Age: 38
- Residency: Living in District 11 since November 1985 and has lived here always, except for time away at college
I am a lifelong resident of District 11, raised by a MUNI driver and a San Francisco Unified School District educator. I’m rooted in the values of working families and deeply understand the needs of this community.
I have experience working on Affordable Housing Projects and land-use policy as a former Housing Director.
I led operation of the OMI-COVID testing hub during the pandemic for this very community, supporting our senior and vulnerable populations.
As a former legislative aide, I have a fundamental understanding of how to navigate City Hall on day one. Collectively, my lived and professional experiences make me the best choice for Supervisor.
Endorsed by: Supervisors Shamann Walton and Myrna Melgar, Assemblymember Matt Haney, Former SF mayor Willie Brown Jr., Transit Workers Union Local 250A… read more here
Roger Marenco
- Job: Transit operator
- Age: 42
- Residency: Tenant, living in District 11 since May 2014
- Transportation: Public
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental sustainability and social justice from San Francisco State University. City College San Francisco
- Languages: English, Spanish
I’m a MUNI Transit Operator, community organizer and a pragmatist. As the former President of Local 250A, I negotiated the two best contracts for MUNI Operators. After I unveiled theft and corruption in Local 250A, I was able to grow our bank account from negative $80,000, to positive $600,000 within three years.
These life experiences will help me unveil the corruption and red tape inside City Hall, which hinders us from moving forward. Let’s cut the BS, the red tape and the corruption, so that we can take action against crime and corruption, so that we can protect our families.
Candidates are ordered alphabetically. Answers may be lightly edited for formatting, spelling, and grammar. If you have questions for the candidates, please let us know at xueer@missionlocal.com.
Read the rest of the District 11 questions here, and the entire “Meet the Candidates” series here.
You can register to vote via the sf.gov website. Illustrations for the series by Neil Ballard.
