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
Values Not Aligned
Values Unclear
No Response
MAYORAL CANDIDATES
Daniel Lurie
ARC Rating: A
Lurie’s commitment to public safety and collaboration with law enforcement is noteworthy, as is his experience leading a $500M nonprofit focused on addressing city challenges. He has pledged to ensure the police and sheriff’s departments are fully staffed. As Chair of the Super Bowl 50 bid and host committee, he facilitated $240M in economic activity, supporting small businesses, job growth, and activating public spaces. Lurie has committed to including the Asian community in his administration, ensuring both representation and a meaningful voice in decision-making. Additionally, he supports a "No" vote on Prop K, indicating his opposition to closing the Great Highway, which disproportionally affects the Asian community.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Supported the 2022 District Attorney recall
2022
DA RECALL
Opposed the 2024 Prop B (cop tax - police staffing only with additional taxes)
MAR 2024
PROP B
Supported the 2024 Prop E (allow police to use 21st-century technology tools)
MAR 2024
PROP E
EDUCATION
Supported the 2024 Board of Education recall
2022
BOE RECALL
Supported the 2024 Prop G (offer algebra to 8th graders)
2024
PROP G
Mark Farrell
ARC Rating: A
Former Interim Mayor Farrell brings a combination of City Hall and private sector experience, positioning him to address the city’s budget deficit and navigate bureaucratic challenges. His stance on public safety and approach to crime resonate with calls for a safer San Francisco. His economic development plan, including tax reforms, is timely. Additionally, his efforts to address crimes against minorities and seniors, along with increasing AAPI representation in City Hall through appointments, reflect a commitment to inclusive leadership.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Supported the 2022 District Attorney recall
2022
DA RECALL
Opposed the 2024 Prop B (cop tax - police staffing only with additional taxes)
MAR 2024
PROP B
Supported the 2024 Prop E (allow police to use 21st-century technology tools)
MAR 2024
PROP E
EDUCATION
Supported the 2024 Board of Education recall
2022
BOE RECALL
Supported the 2024 Prop G (offer algebra to 8th graders)
2024
PROP G
London Breed
ARC Rating: B
Mayor London Breed has worked to address challenges such as encampments and open-air drug use, alongside navigating COVID-19 and related controversies. While we recognize her efforts to stabilize the city, there have been concerns about her ability to foster collaboration and drive substantial change. Though recent strides have been made in public safety, such as the appointment of District Attorney Jenkins and crime rates dropping below pre-pandemic levels, her previous decision to reduce law enforcement's budget by $120M raises questions about her judgment and stance toward public safety. These funds were then redirected to several nonprofits, many of which have since been charged with misappropriation of public money.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Supported the 2022 District Attorney recall
2022
DA RECALL
Opposed the 2024 Prop B (cop tax - police staffing only with additional taxes)
MAR 2024
PROP B
Supported the 2024 Prop E (allow police to use 21st-century technology tools)
MAR 2024
PROP E
EDUCATION
Supported the 2024 Board of Education recall
2022
BOE RECALL
Supported the 2024 Prop G (offer algebra to 8th graders)
2024
PROP G
Ahsha Safai
ARC Rating: C
Safai brings experience as a two-term Supervisor and City Hall administrator, but his visibility on key issues has been limited. He has been criticized for not endorsing the District Attorney or Board of Education recalls, which were significant to AAPI voters. While his plans for revitalizing the economy and supporting public safety are appreciated, his lack of support for the March 2024 Proposition E, aimed at providing underserved communities with enhanced police resources, is disappointing. His indecision on key issues raises concerns about his ability to lead necessary changes in the city.
PUBLIC SAFETY
No position the 2022 District Attorney recall
2022
DA RECALL
Supported the 2024 Prop B (cop tax - police staffing only with additional taxes)
MAR 2024
PROP B
Opposed the 2024 Prop E (allow police to use 21st-century technology tools)
MAR 2024
PROP E
EDUCATION
No position the 2024 Board of Education recall
2022
BOE RECALL
Supported the 2024 Prop G (offer algebra to 8th graders)
2024
PROP G
Aaron Peskin
ARC Rating: F
As the Supervisor for Chinatown, Peskin did not respond to an AAPI organization's questionnaire, raising concerns within the AAPI community. His tenure has faced criticism for limiting housing production, public safety efforts, and his endorsement of former DA Chesa Boudin. Additionally, reports of inappropriate conduct during Board of Supervisors meetings have drawn attention. During the pandemic, Chinatown experienced increased attacks and lootings, leading some to question Peskin’s support for the community at a critical time.
PUBLIC SAFETY
No response to the 2022 District Attorney recall
2022
DA RECALL
No response to the 2024 Prop B (cop tax - police staffing only with additional taxes)
MAR 2024
PROP B
No response to the 2024 Prop E (allow police to use 21st-century technology tools)
MAR 2024
PROP E
EDUCATION
No response to the 2024 Board of Education recall
2022
BOE RECALL
No response to the 2024 Prop G (offer algebra to 8th graders)
2024
PROP G