Association for the Advancement of Asians (AAA)

2024 San Francisco
Candidate Report Card

As part of our commitment to accountability and advocacy for the San Francisco Asian community, AAA is releasing its first candidate report card for the November 2024 elections. This report evaluates candidates running for Mayor, Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, the Board of Education, and City College of San Francisco.

The report card provides an objective assessment based on both qualitative and quantitative data, aiming to highlight candidates who align with the community's core values: Public Safety, Public Education, and Economic Development.

Data Sources:

  • Candidate Questionnaires: Sent to top candidates based on fundraising (top 5 for Mayor, top 3 for Supervisors, and all Board of Education and City College candidates), these questionnaires provide direct insights into their priorities and strategies.

  • Independent Research: Besides the questionnaires, we conducted independent research, reviewing public information and evaluating candidates' past performance and effectiveness.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Track Record: Candidates’ past roles, accomplishments, and measurable outcomes were considered.

  • Results Orientation: We assessed their ability to achieve results that align with the community’s core values.

  • Positions on Key Issues: Special focus was placed on stances related to the recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin and Board of Education members, endorsements, and economic policies.

Our approach ensures a transparent, rigorous evaluation process aligned with the AAA’s mission. Note that some candidates received a "Fail" rating due to non-responses to our survey or lack of publicly available information.

Values Aligned

Approved

Values Not Aligned

Opposed

Values Unclear

No position

No Response

No response

DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATES

Marjan Philhour

ARC Rating: A

Philhour's pragmatic approach and understanding of the challenges at City Hall instill confidence in her potential as an effective city leader. Her focus on key priorities like public safety, education, and economic development aligns with community needs. Additionally, her support from public safety groups and leaders distinguishes her as a strong candidate for a safer and more vibrant district.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Supported the 2022 District Attorney recall

2022
DA RECALL

Values aligned

Opposed the 2024 Prop B (cop tax - police staffing only with additional taxes)

MAR 2024
PROP B

Values aligned

Supported the 2024 Prop E (allow police to use 21st-century technology tools)

MAR 2024
PROP E

Values aligned

EDUCATION

Supported the 2024 Board of Education recall

2022
BOE RECALL

Values aligned

Supported the 2024 Prop G (offer algebra to 8th graders)

2024
PROP G

Values aligned

Connie Chan

ARC Rating: F

Chan, the only Asian candidate who did not respond to our outreach, has faced criticism for decisions that have disappointed some of her constituents. She was involved in blocking City Hall appointments of AAPI Commissioners and supported former DA Chesa Boudin, opposing his recall despite concerns from her community. Additionally, her stance on police hiring and perceived lack of accountability have raised questions about her commitment to addressing key issues. Her lack of response to outreach has further contributed to concerns about her engagement with constituents.

PUBLIC SAFETY

No response the 2022 District Attorney recall

2022
DA RECALL

No response

No response the 2024 Prop B (cop tax - police staffing only with additional taxes)

MAR 2024
PROP B

No response

No response the 2024 Prop E (allow police to use 21st-century technology tools)

MAR 2024
PROP E

No response

EDUCATION

No response the 2024 Board of Education recall

2022
BOE RECALL

No response

No response the 2024 Prop G (offer algebra to 8th graders)

2024
PROP G

No response

Jen Nossokoff

ARC Rating: F

We have concerns regarding Nossokoff's candidacy. She did not respond to our outreach, and her experience in public service is limited. Additionally, her support for closing the Great Highway to vehicles and reducing street capacity raises questions about whether these policies align with the needs of constituents, especially seniors and working-class individuals who rely on driving for their daily commutes.

PUBLIC SAFETY

No response the 2022 District Attorney recall

2022
DA RECALL

No response

No response the 2024 Prop B (cop tax - police staffing only with additional taxes)

MAR 2024
PROP B

No response

No response the 2024 Prop E (allow police to use 21st-century technology tools)

MAR 2024
PROP E

No response

EDUCATION

No response the 2024 Board of Education recall

2022
BOE RECALL

No response

No response the 2024 Prop G (offer algebra to 8th graders)

2024
PROP G

No response