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.
Question this week: What’s your plan to improve road safety in D3?
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
My plan focuses on:
- Infrastructure: We need to make it drastically harder for cars to speed with better street design and we need to deliver these projects quickly.
- Enforcement: SFPD traffic enforcement has dropped by 97%. This is unacceptable. We must restart enforcement immediately — both by traffic officers and new automated speed enforcement — to save lives.
- Better Transit: We need to make public transit faster, more frequent, and enjoyable so that it can be a more attractive choice. It’s why I’ve advocated for a Central Subway extension, protected bike lanes, and transit lanes to speed up buses.
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’m dedicated to making San Francisco’s streets safer with measures such as daylighting and speed bumps. They will enhance visibility and reduce speed at crosswalks. Additionally, I believe the SFPD must use technology to increase enforcement of traffic violations and serve as a deterrent. These simple solutions will drastically improve safety in our community.
My vision encompasses a balanced strategy that ensures all streets remain open to cars while integrating protected bike lanes for safer cycling and upgrading pedestrian infrastructure. We must always strive to enhance our community’s safety, accessibility, and economy.
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
1. Invest in Technology
Empower PD to crack down on sideshows & street racing by investing in cameras/license plate readers in historic neighborhoods & tourist areas.
2. Community-Centered Policymaking
City Departments should initiate projects in response to needs of residents & small businesses — like the Lower Polk Alley plan — empowering community voices without performative “outreach” & no real intention of modification based on feedback.
3. Mandated Vetting of Street Closures/Parking Changes
Street regulations should consider families with children & workers across the City. Chinatown merchants were shocked when MTA, without notice, erected weekend “no parking” restrictions on Grant Ave. — hurting the City economically.
Endorsed by: San Francisco Tenants Union, Teamsters Joint Council 7, Retired Assistant Police Chief Garrett Tom, Board President Aaron Peskin … read more here
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
District 3 has a concentrated number of High-Injury-Network streets. I will increase investments in safer physical designs, speed management, and changing behavioral norms through enforcement and education. I will use funds like Prop. L for District 3 to conduct a comprehensive safety study, network planning, and invest in:
• Self-enforcing infrastructure by implementing road designs to slow drivers down.
• Reduce modal conflicts, including daylighting crossings and expanding “No Turn on Red.”
• Technology beyond the three proposed speed safety cameras and red light cameras as enforcement and educational tools, if proven effective.
• Enhance “Safe Routes” to schools and for seniors.
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)
I’m calling for a decisive pivot towards a pedestrian-first urban landscape. Relying on signs and surveillance to govern driver behavior falls short. So too does SF´s Vision Zero implementation. Our plan? Broaden pedestrian areas, improve sidewalks, and enhance crossings, but do so physically. We will slow traffic naturally with curb extensions, and beautify with green spaces and street furniture. This initiative is more than a safety measure; it’s a step towards a stronger community. We must keep car accessibility throughout our city, but together, let’s make our streets a testament to our priority: people.
JConr B. Ortega
- Job: Self-described formerly homeless, leatherman, boxer
What Supervisor Ortega will do to improve road safety through my R,R&R plan is three simple things: 1. Keep them physically clean and free from debris that we find all around our city streets. 2. Repair all our roads and streets that are damaged from cracks, holes and more, to make them safer to drive on. 3. Remove and place bike lanes where bikers will be safe from traffic throughout our city. It is possible to keep everyone safe by ensuring we get street basics right.
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.
