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 7 CANDIDATES

Matt Boschetto

ARC Rating: A

Boschetto, a newcomer to San Francisco politics, takes strong positions on public safety, a priority for the community, highlighted by his endorsement from the Police Officers Association. As a small business owner, he understands the needs of local businesses, particularly in reducing regulatory burdens and improving safety. His housing plans for the district are measured and practical. Additionally, he has been a vocal opponent of Prop K, citing its disproportionate impact on the Asian 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

Stephen Martin-Pinto

ARC Rating: B

Martin-Pinto takes a proactive approach to addressing San Francisco’s public safety and economic development challenges. His proposals, such as streamlining the building permit process and revitalizing downtown, focus on practical reforms. While some of his strategies may not appeal to all groups, they align with key priorities for creating a more vibrant, safe, and livable city.

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

Myrna Melgar

ARC Rating: D

Melgar has previously advocated for changes to the SFPD and has not prioritized addressing street-level drug dealing. She opposed a proposal to deport drug dealers who entered the country illegally and led a protest at City Hall against it. Additionally, she did not support the BOE or DA recalls, citing her stance on recalls and her endorsement of former DA Boudin. Concerns in her district around encampments and RVs persist, and her position on closing the Great Highway has drawn criticism from some residents. Her alignment with key priorities remains uncertain.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Opposed the 2022 District Attorney recall

2022
DA RECALL

Values not aligned

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

MAR 2024
PROP B

Values not aligned

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

MAR 2024
PROP E

Values 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