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 11 CANDIDATES

Michael Lai

ARC Rating: A

Lai has a comprehensive approach to public safety, economic development, housing, and city reform that closely aligns with our priorities. He offers a clear and detailed plan for achieving these objectives, demonstrating a thoughtful strategy. Although he is relatively new to the district, his continuous outreach efforts and personal experience as part of an immigrant family have helped him establish strong connections with constituents and local businesses in the community.

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

Chyanne Chen

ARC Rating: F

Chen's responses lacked specific plans, as she focused on ideological theories rather than outlining concrete programs or policies. Additionally, she did not clearly state her positions on the various propositions or recalls mentioned in the questionnaire.

PUBLIC SAFETY

No response to the 2022 District Attorney recall

2022
DA RECALL

No response

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

MAR 2024
PROP B

No response

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

MAR 2024
PROP E

No response

EDUCATION

No response to the 2024 Board of Education recall

2022
BOE RECALL

No response

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

2024
PROP G

No response

Ernest “EJ” Jones

ARC Rating: F

Jones did not respond to our outreach and opposed both the DA and BOE recalls.

PUBLIC SAFETY

No response to the 2022 District Attorney recall

2022
DA RECALL

No response

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

MAR 2024
PROP B

No response

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

MAR 2024
PROP E

No response

EDUCATION

No response to the 2024 Board of Education recall

2022
BOE RECALL

No response

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

2024
PROP G

No response