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 5 CANDIDATES

Autumn Hope Looijen

ARC Rating: B

Looijen's pragmatic approach to addressing District 5's challenges is appreciated. Her strong stances on issues such as open-air drug use and encampments are seen as important for progress. Her focus on accountability for service users, including requirements for sobriety, job training, and clear timelines for benefit use, reflects a commitment to ensuring effective resource allocation.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Opposed the 2022 District Attorney recall

2022
DA RECALL

Values not 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

Bilal Mahmood

ARC Rating: B

Mahmood has gained visibility on the East Side of the city through his recent campaigns for Assembly and the DCCC. As a newcomer to the district, he brings high-tech, data-driven solutions, such as connecting shelter beds to unhoused residents, which could improve services in San Francisco. However, his positions, particularly on public safety, have shown some inconsistency, raising concerns in a community where this remains a significant issue.

PUBLIC SAFETY

No response the 2022 District Attorney recall

2022
DA RECALL

No response

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

Dean Preston

ARC Rating: D

Preston’s positions on public safety, economic development, and housing differ from those of the community. He voted against the budget, criticizing increased police funding over alternative programs. His approach to the fentanyl crisis raises concerns about accountability for those using publicly funded services.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Opposed the 2022 District Attorney recall

2022
DA RECALL

Values not aligned

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

MAR 2024
PROP B

Values aligned

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

MAR 2024
PROP E

Values not aligned

EDUCATION

Opposed the 2024 Board of Education recall

2022
BOE RECALL

Values not aligned

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

2024
PROP G

Values aligned