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.
Between now and the November election, Mission Local will ask 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.
Question this week: What have you done to support District 3 so far?
Sharon Lai
Economic recovery leader at the World Economic Forum, former board member at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
As SFMTA commissioner, I tripled the public safety budget, helping District 3 transit riders stay safe. I helped redesign Broadway for pedestrian safety, and advocated for lower speed limits. I reintroduced bus line 8-Bayshore, oversaw the completion of Van Ness BRT and the Central Subway, and advocated for free Muni and parking for Chinese New Year.
As DignityMoves’ founding ED, I opened a tiny homes village, expanding housing for the homeless citywide.
Most recently, I took a leading role in passing Prop. A, which will provide affordable homes for 4,500 working San Franciscans and fund D3 affordable housing projects.
Eduard Navarro
Tech startup founder
I have presented my candidacy to supervisor of District 3. This role demands leadership and specialized knowledge, and cannot be a reward for past service nor a step in a political career. My diverse experiences and achievements position me to serve our district with dedication and insight. Choosing this path means setting aside other opportunities, a true testament to my dedication to our community. In these uncertain times, District 3, the heart of our city, needs a voice that can unite and take us forward. I am committed to being that unifying leader. Join our movement at Navarro.vote.
JConr B. Ortega
Self-described formerly homeless, DAD democrat, leatherman, boxer
What I have done for the district is to stand up to represent the neighborhood. When the board of supervisors pushed for legislation that will harm our community, I stood up to put a stop to it. When the police commission proposed new orders that hampered the SFPD, I stood up to kill the orders. When the SFPD needed someone to defend them, I stood up for our officers. Those who threatened our Jewish community, I stood against thousands so say “Never again.” Our district needs someone who will stand up for them no matter who they’re up against.
Danny Sauter
Executive Director, Neighborhood Centers Together
I’m proud of my record supporting District 3 over the last 10 years:
- Support thousands of low-income youth and seniors in District 3 through my work with Cameron House in Chinatown and TEL HI Neighborhood Center in North Beach
- Started the North Beach Farmers Market
- Organized donors to fund and open a new computer lab in Chinatown
- Supported 40+ District 3 restaurants with a free delivery service during the pandemic
Led efforts to make it easier and more flexible to open small businesses in District 3.
Matthew Susk
Former lead with Divvy Homes
Safety is my No. 1 priority, so I am very invested in supporting my community. I am extremely proud of my experience in the SFPD Community Police Academy and my position as Safety Chair for my neighborhood association, Russian Hill Neighbors.
The SFPD Community Police Academy was an amazing opportunity for me to deeply understand the police department. I learned directly from officers about emergency communications, vehicle operations, bias training and crisis intervention.
While I think that safety starts with the police, it doesn’t end there. As Safety Chair, I am also responsible for emergency preparedness and street infrastructure safety.
Moe Jamil
Deputy City Attorney, San Francisco City Attorney’s Office
I’ve spent over a decade championing issues facing District 3. In that time, I have:
- Organized Polk Street neighbors and property owners to create the Discover Polk Community Benefit District with permanent funding for clean and safe streets, business development, & special events
- Recruited Bi-Rite market, Russian Hill’s newest grocery store
- Secured a permanent home for The Jug Shop, a 50+ year Polk Street Legacy Business
- Championed opposition of an X-Ray center in North Beach, leading to the creation of Luke’s Local Market
- As Deputy City Attorney*, fought to ensure corporations with large commercial properties pay their fair share of taxes
(* Identification purposes only. All posts and comments are Moe Jamil’s own and do not represent his work in an official capacity.)
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.
Read the rest of the series here. Illustrations for the series by Neil Ballard.
You can register to vote via the sf.gov website.
