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 3 CANDIDATES

Moe Jamil

ARC Rating: A

Jamil’s positions, particularly on public safety, align with key priorities for his district, which have faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many business owners, particularly monolingual immigrants, have struggled with rising anti-AAPI crime and limited access to resources. His leadership could play an important role in addressing these issues and supporting 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

Danny Sauter

ARC Rating: A

Sauter demonstrates strong support for small businesses and advocates for language access for non-native English speakers. His commitment to the Chinatown community is evident in his efforts to learn Cantonese, improving communication with residents. As a two-time small business founder, he understands the challenges these businesses face and supports reducing permits, lowering fees, and increasing city assistance. Sauter also prioritizes public safety, advocating for a fully staffed police department and bilingual first responders in Cantonese and Mandarin.

PUBLIC SAFETY

No position to the 2022 District Attorney recall

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

2022
DA RECALL

MAR 2024
PROP B

Values unclear
Values aligned

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

MAR 2024
PROP E

EDUCATION

Values aligned

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

Sharon Lai

ARC Rating: B

Lai brings experience as a City Hall insider and nonprofit leader, along with a strong community connection as an immigrant and mother. Her multilingual skills in Cantonese and Mandarin are valuable assets for her district. While her alignment with priorities in public safety and economic development is noted, there are concerns about her positions on recent public safety ballot measures, particularly her support for the March 2024 Proposition B and opposition to the March 2024 Proposition E, which may not align with community needs.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Supported the 2022 District Attorney recall

2022
DA RECALL

Values aligned

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

MAR 2024
PROP B

Values not aligned

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

MAR 2024
PROP E

Values not 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