Welcome back to our “Meet the Candidates” series, where District 1 supervisorial candidates who have filed to run respond to a question in 100 words or fewer.
Answers are published each week, but we are also archiving each answer on this page for District 1, to make it easier for voters to browse.
This week, we added information on how long the candidates have lived in the district they are running to represent, and their endorsers. When you scroll to the bottom, you will see a chart on the money raised and spent as of Dec. 31, 2023.
The chart also indicates if money has been raised to specifically oppose one of the candidates. That is the case with the incumbent, Connie Chan. Some $72,000 has been contributed, by donors bundled up by the political group GrowSF, to oust Chan. The next campaign finance reports will be out on July 31.
Next Wednesday, April 10 at 1 p.m., I will be at One Richmond Community Market at 802 Clement St. Drop by and share your thoughts! Can’t make that meeting? I’ll be somewhere in the district every week. Check back here to find out where.
And, now, this week’s question about getting things done in the district. In the past responses, candidates talked about various barriers to make changes. On street safety last week, Connie Chan, for example, talked about funded projects that were either delayed or not implemented. Marjan Philhour, in her first response on her priorities in this election, said she’s committed to “alleviating administrative burdens to allow officers to spend more time in the communities they serve.”
So, we ask this week: How will you navigate city bureaucracy and get things done in the district?
Marjan Philhour
- Job: Business owner, former advisor and fundraiser to London Breed
- Age: 49
- Residency: Homeowner, born in District 1 and moved back in 2006
- Transportation: Biking, walking, driving and public transportation
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley
- Languages: English
Our city government should work for PEOPLE, not for itself. My extensive experience in public service, community organizing, and the private sector has equipped me with a deep understanding of governmental processes.
I will push to overhaul our broken system of boards and commissions that has paralyzed City government and muddled our system of accountability. I will make the day-to-day challenges that residents face priority number one.
This means a singular focus on neighborhood services and outcomes. Until we fix this broken system, and ensure the Richmond district receives the attention and resources it deserves, we need strong … read more here
Endorsed by: San Francisco Police Officers Association … read more here
Jeremiah Boehner
- Job: Marketing specialist and U.S. Army veteran
- Age: 39
- Residency: Tenant, living in District 1 since 2006
- Transportation: Driving
- Education: University of San Francisco
- Languages: English
I’ll make sure our department heads lay out clear timelines and budgets. I’ll make sure they have what they need to get the job done. I’ll make sure the voters know this as well. If they show a pattern of failure, then I’ll work to remove them. I’ll also work to make sure our contracts for services include clear KPIs (key performance indicators). I’ll also work to remove processes or bureaucracy that slow things down and streamline the process we currently have.
Connie Chan
- Job: Incumbent District 1 Supervisor
- Age: 45
- Residency: Homeowner, living in District 1 since 2011
- Transportation: Driving and walking
- Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of California, Davis
- Languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin
I have been using all the legislative tools available to me to hold the Mayor and her administration accountable for real results for our residents.
That includes drafting new legislation to cut red tape so we can speed up Vision Zero construction projects. I have also held public hearings to drill down on impediments to action, like I did to support Richmond seniors with stronger public safety initiatives and renovations to the Richmond Senior Center. And I have worked with the City Attorney and other departments to tackle issues around graffiti abatement, building code violations, small business permitting, street cleaning … read more here
Endorsed by: San Francisco Labor Council, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, Local 21, Service Employees International Union 1021 … read more here
Sherman D’Silva
- Job: Owner of a laundromat on Geary Boulevard
- Age: 51
- Residency: Homeowner, living in District 1 since 1973
- Transportation: Driving
- Education: Bachelor’s degrees from San Francisco State University
- Languages: English
San Francisco departments work around statistics. If a trash can is overflowing but no one calls it in, then according to the city it was never overflowing. To get departments to act, we must generate those reports detailing problems that exist, whether it’s an overflowing can, pothole or graffiti.
Each supervisor has four full-time legislative assistants to assist the Supervisor. I plan to use staff to monitor every aspect of the district daily by calling in overflowing city cans, graffiti, potholes, damaged signs etc. We will generate those data points and then go to the departments to hold them accountable.
Jen Nossokoff
- Job: Vice president of a healthcare company and physician assistant
- Age: 38
- Residency: Homeowner, living in District 1 since 2020
- Transportation: Walking, biking
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and master’s degree from Samuel Merritt University
- Languages: English
It takes a certain amount of resolve and persistence to navigate any large system, and government bureaucracy is the epitome of this. Effective people understand complexity and nuance and are skilled negotiators. Anyone can build relationships to have influence, but not everyone has the soft skills required to actually get things done. I’m running against existing political machines and a lot of money, and I have the tenacity that it takes to get past No.
Money raised and spent in District 1 supervisor race
For
Money spent
Against
Marjan Philhour
$63,735
$136,064
Connie Chan
$11,806
$101,585
$5,360
$72,021
Jen Nossokoff
$11,653
$3,573
Jeremiah Boehner
$0
Sherman D’Silva
$0
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
For
Money spent
Against
Marjan Philhour
$63,735
$136,064
Connie Chan
$11,806
$101,585
$5,360
$72,021
Jen Nossokoff
$11,653
$3,573
Jeremiah Boehner
$0
Sherman D’Silva
$0
$0
$50K
$100K
$150K
$200K
Source: San Francisco Ethics Commission, as of April 3, 2024. Chart by Junyao Yang.
Candidates are ordered alphabetically and rotated each week. Answers may be lightly edited for formatting, spelling, and grammar. If you have questions for the candidates, please let us know at junyao@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.
