Instructions:
1. There are 10 sections to this questionnaire. Each section
corresponds with the 10 Key Values of the Green Party.
2. Each section begins with a written question and ends with several
multiple-choice questions. Please don't skip the written question.
3. The multiple-choice questions are answered by checking the box in the
appropriate column to indicate which is closest to your position:
+ = Support / Agree / Yes
- = Oppose / Disagree / No
: = Undecided / Don't know / No opinion
4. The world is too complex to always break down neatly into
yes/no/maybe choices, so feel free to clarify any answers to multiple
choice questions with a few words.
Candidate Name: Trevor McNeil
Phone Number:415-598-8973
Web site: mcneil4supervisor.com
E-mail: d4mcneil@gmail.com
Name of Campaign Manager: Victorio Li
Are you receiving public financing: No
Signed voluntary spending limit: TBA, but yes, intends to follow voluntary spending limit.
2nd, 3rd endorsements in District: TBA
Major Endorsements:
Board of Equalization Chairwoman Fiona Ma
Sheriff Vicki Hennessy
State Senator Scott Wiener
Incumbent Supervisor whose votes most reflect your values: Katy Tang
Incumbent whose votes least reflect your values: I don't believe in being purposefully
antagonistic to any of my potential colleagues. All current supervisors share some of my values
in some shape or form.
If the election were held today, who would you support as Board President: I would need to see
who wins in the November 2018 Supervisor races.
Who would be your second and third choices: I would need to see who wins in the November
2018 Supervisor races.
Who did you endorse for Mayor in 2018 (all 3 choices, if applicable): London Breed
Who did you endorse for Mayor in 2015 (all 3 choices, if applicable): Ed Lee
Who did you endorse for Sheriff in 2015: Vicki Hennessy
1) Grassroots Democracy: What are your thoughts on Instant Runoff
Voting, and District Elections? How have they worked to date? What
would you change in the future?
I am the only candidate in this race who will not receive robust institutional backing or public
financing. I am running a strictly grassroots campaign, and I am a strong believer in grassroots
democracy. I believe that rank choice voting strengthens our democracy and allows candidates
like me an opportunity.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Sub-government such as Neighborhood Assemblies, Networks or District
Councils
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Some commissions should be democratically elected
[ ] [ - ] [ ] The Mayor should appoint all commissioners
[+ ] [ ] [ ] Voters' right to recall elected officials
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Ethics Commission should be disbanded
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Ethics Commission meetings should be televised
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Ethics Commission should prioritize investigating violations from well-funded
campaigns
[ ] [ - ] [ ] My campaign accepts corporate contributions
[ ] [ - ] [ ] My campaign accepts contributions from paid lobbyists or related entities
having any interest in City and County of San Francisco
2) Ecological Wisdom: Please outline your view of the major
environmental and ecological issues facing San Francisco and your
proposed policies to address them.
With the sea level rising at the rate that it is, it is of the utmost importance that we improve our
shoreline and reinforce our seawall. Although that is not a solution, it is incredibly important,
especially for the residents of District 4, that we make these improvements. The Ocean Beach
Plan of 2012 is a step in the right direction. By balancing protecting wildlife, and protecting
residents who live in the outer Sunset, the plan covers most of the concerns of the District. San
Francisco must be more mindful when it comes to water conservation and reuse. I will support
legislation much like then-Supervisor Scott Wiener's legislation to ease regulations and make it
easier for residents to implement gray water systems. We must also, as a City, take a hard look
at how we process sewage. We must expand opportunities for building green space throughout
the City, especially to reduce the amount of sewage overflow during storm surges. We must
also commit to reducing carbon emissions. As supervisor, I will support and encourage policies
like getting rid of our diesel Muni bus fleet, and replacing them with electric buses.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Phasing out all diesel buses (e.g., Muni, tour, shuttles)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Public Power
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Install local/regional clean energy, efficiency, and battery storage to supply
50% of our electricity by 2030
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Reducing or eliminating parking minimums in new housing and commercial
developments
As a city, we must prioritize clean methods of transportation, such as biking and MUNI.
However, I realize that some families, like mine, depend on cars for critical family services. I
would need to explore parking minimums on a case-by-case basis for developments, and
ensure they are appropriately offering real transportation solutions for families.
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] As in Bayview, halt all US Navy Treasure Island transfers of lands tested by
Tetra Tech, to private developers
I would need to learn much more about this situation before taking a position. I am running on
my experience representing the Sunset and Parkside district and its neighborhoods, and I'm not
as familiar with this issue in District 6.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Natural Areas Program
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Tree Removals
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Use of Tier One herbicides in public parks
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Addition of SF Groundwater to City's potable supply
I am deeply in favor of creating reliable sources of water for the City, and I'm aware that our
dependence on the Hetch Hetchy system becomes more tenuous during droughts and
maintenance issues. As we add groundwater to the City's potable supply, I want to ensure that
regular testing is done for quality, appropriate oversight is done, and that social equity issues
are addressed in the distribution of water.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Artificial turf on City-owned athletic fields
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Managed retreat and Coastal Zone protection in response to Global Warming
3) Social Justice:
A) What is your assessment of homelessness in San Francisco, and what
solutions do you propose?
Homelessness has reached such a point in San Francisco that I would call it a crisis. We must
expand navigation centers; I support Mayor Breed's plan to increase navigation centers
throughout the City, and ensure that audits are being conducted on a regular basis to keep track
of city projects and departments that work to reduce homelessness and improve quality of life
for the homeless in San Francisco. As Supervisor, I would advocate for partnering with
nonprofits in the community for recommendations on how best to address homelessness in
each district. Our City should approach homelessness with care and compassion, emphasizing
rehabilitation and making housing more available and affordable for residents who are
struggling to remain in San Francisco.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Project Homeless Connect
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Care Not Cash
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Community courts
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Healthy SF
[ + ] [ ] [ ] SF's sick leave requirements
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Law against sitting down on SF sidewalks
[ + ] [ ] [ ] I support more homeless navigation centers in my district
I think all districts need to provide services for their respective homeless residents, and all
neighborhoods must do their share in providing solutions for homelessness. I want to make sure
that navigation centers are being built and added with thorough outreach to the neighbors, that
the community is fully educated about the project, and that the neighborhood is fully engaged
with the project. Community resentment towards a local navigation center will not help the
navigation center be successful.
B) What are your views on housing affordability, what public sector
strategies have worked, which have failed, and what are your proposals?
My views are simple: we must increase the housing stock, however even more importantly, we
must increase affordable housing. We must ensure that new housing that is built is
family-friendly, and affordable at a wide range of incomes. We must also ensure that new
development is balanced with strong anti-displacement protections and transportation
infrastructure improvements. As union member and public school teacher, I understand the
hardships that many middle-class families face when it comes to affordability in San Francisco.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Building more market rate housing will lower housing costs for current SF
residents
Building more market rate housing will lower housing costs and be an effective policy if, and
only if, our CIty commits to radically increasing our BMR housing stock as well. Otherwise, we
are just pushing out families and low to middle-income residents. We must also balance new
housing with strong anti-displacement protections and transportation infrastructure
improvements.
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Impacts of all new development should be paid for in advance by fees on
developers
If fees were to paid upfront, developers would actually get away with paying less fees. Fees are
calculated to increase by inflation every year, and new fees are introduced all the time. If fees
were paid upfront, then developers would be paying a lower level than they currently do, when
fees are assessed when the project obtains its permits (usually several years after the project
first begins planning). In addition, if the developer failed to obtain the necessary permits and the
project fails, the City would be obligated by law to return fees to the developer, then costing the
City money or putting it in an untenable financial situation.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Community Land Trusts
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Rent Control is too strong
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Elected Rent Board
I strongly believe that residents should always be able to elect their representatives, including
the Rent Board. However, I am concerned that opening up the rent board to the electoral
process would allow SuperPACs and institutional money to impact the outcome of the race,
tilting the Rent Board against tenants and residents. I would like to explore this issue more and
I'm to talking more about it.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] HOME-SF (density bonus program)
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Social Housing (similar to https://www.sfcommunityhousingact.com/)
I'm unfamiliar with this policy, and I had heard that the SF Community Housing Act was
withdrawn as a ballot measure. However, I would be open to learning more about it. I have
always supported policies that increase affordable housing funding.
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Ban on Airbnb and other short term rentals
Current regulations on Airbnb are doing an effective job. We must continue to regulate Airbnb to
ensure that it is not shrinking our available housing stock, but I do not believe a complete ban
on Airbnb is sound policy.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Require full disclosure of all corporate/speculative interests in parties
purchasing/developing property
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Vacancy tax on empty homes
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Pied-a-terre Tax on residential property owners who do not reside in SF
I'm interested in learning more about this subject, and open to a conversation. I don't currently
believe we have enough information about how many residential property owners don't reside in
SF, and I don't know if I've heard of a practical way of enforcing this law with any certainty.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Condo conversion is currently too difficult
I know that the condo conversion program is currently very complicated to understand or
execute. The complicated situation has created unforeseen consequences, such as the growth
of TIC homeownership and also greatly increased the number of OMI evictions, both which are
bad options for homeowners and tenants. We need to clarify our condo conversion laws and
integrate it with the rest of our housing policy.
4) Nonviolence: What are your solutions for SFPD accountability while
making the streets safer?
I believe officers should be trained in strategies of de-escalation and undergo the proper bias
and discrimination training throughout the department. I support principles of community
policing, and do not, under any circumstances support discriminatory programs like "Stop and
Frisk." I support the use of body cams, and supported the creation of the Department of Police
Accountability with increased citizen oversight.
+ - ?
[ ] [ ] [ ?] Prioritize SFPD enforcement of moving violations
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Support expansion of foot patrols
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Demand stricter accountability in future MOUs with the SFPD
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] The Board of Supervisors should be able to set policies and priorities for the
SFPD through legislation
The Board of Supervisors currently does set policies and priorities for the SFPD, through
legislation and the budget process.
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Support a public safety program modeled after NYC's "Stop and Frisk"
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Prosecution of SFPD Officers involved in fatal shooting deaths of San
Francisco residents
I support the DA investigating every shooting involving SFPD; I also believe the DA is best
situated to determine whether or not prosecute. The decision to prosecute any crime,
involving-police or not, should be made with the trained District Attorneys that our City hires.
5) Decentralization: What are your thoughts on the Kaufman Charter
of 1996? Does it need revisiting?
I'm open to any conversations about the City Charter, but I'm unsure if this question is pointing
to specific reforms for the City Charter.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Bring the Housing Authority under the Board of Supervisors
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Will you create formal district councils to advise you?
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Charter amendment allowing voters to choose the replacement of an elected
official being recalled on the same ballot as the recall vote
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Immediately implement open-source voting system on the local level
6) Community Based Economics: What economic policies, including
taxation and land use, would you propose that would drive capital into
our communities and keep that capital here for residents?
I supported the parcel tax to support City College funding and I would support efforts to expand
making City College accessible; partnering with local companies to pair local students and
placing them in apprenticeships is one policy I would support. I support policies such as
progressive leasing near transit hubs to increase revenue, as well as provide employment
opportunities for residents. I think it is vital to increase the BMR housing stock in our City; I am
supportive of Mayor Breed's Neighborhood Preference Program, to ensure that our vulnerable
communities are not pushed out of the City. As a union member, I support livable wages for our
workers. Working families should be able to work one job and live with dignity, as well as not
have to worry about their pensions facing insolvency.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Legislation limiting formula retail outlets/chain stores
The legislation currently limiting formula retail and chain stories is very rigorous, and I believe
has done a good job. However, I would caution that just limiting formula retail stores does not
automatically create a vibrant and neighborhood-serving merchant corridor. Hayes Valley is a
good example of how a merchant corridor can have very little formula retail, but still transform
into something that does not holistically provide neighborhood-serving businesses.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Conditional Use permit required for big box stores
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Municipal broadband as a public utility
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Neighborhood cooperatives prioritized as a local supply chain for legalized
marijuana
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] I support recreational marijuana stores opening in my district
I supported the legalization of marijuana, and I am open to supporting new marijuana
dispensaries in the Sunset and Parkside. However, I believe that all new businesses in the
district, no matter what they sell, must be good, safe neighbors to the surrounding residents.
Businesses can only thrive if they have the goodwill of the surrounding neighborhood, and
residents must feel comfortable with the safety and legal precautions the business is taking.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Local hiring requirements should be enforced and expanded to include private
projects
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Conversion of some golf courses into soccer fields
I believe there are only four golf courses in the entire City (Harding, Gleneagles, Lincoln,
Olympic Club), and I have no information whether any of them are viable as soccer fields. I
always support the creation of more open space that families and children can use, especially
soccer fields, as I was very active in Viking Soccer as a child.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Prop 13 limits on tax increases should apply only to residential properties
The Board of Supervisors does not have power to change Prop 13 and which buildings it
applies to. However, as a public school teacher, I have experienced the the impact Prop 13 has
had on public schools first-hand, and I know that it has had a crippling effect on our education
system.
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Commercial Rent Control
The Board of Supervisors does not have the authority to enforce commercial rent control.
However, I deeply support vibrant merchant corridors, and I know that local businesses have
struggled with rising commercial rents every day. I would be very active in pushing forward local
policies that would help local businesses and legacy businesses stay in their current storefronts
and help make them successful.
7) Feminism: Do you believe women are underrepresented in city
government? If so, why do you believe this is the case? Is this a
bad thing, and if so, what would you do to remedy the situation?
I think San Francisco has done a good job to ensure that women are properly represented; 49%
of members in city commissions and department heads are women. That being said, the City
must continue to implement policy that ensures a safe and non-discriminatory workplace for
people of all genders, including those who do not identify within the gender binary.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] The City should help SFUSD provide child care for children of working
parents
[ + ] [ ] [ ] The DPH should provide reproductive health services
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Require parental consent for minors seeking an abortion
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Require parental notification for minors seeking an abortion
8) Respect for Diversity: Tell us what you believe are the best and the
worst aspects of San Francisco's diversity. How would you try to
protect the best while trying to change the worst?
Diversity is what makes San Francisco great; our City has a huge income and racial disparity
issue. As supervisor, we need to promote socioeconomic equity, and adopt equitable policies to
protect the best in our City; the worst aspect of our diversity is how segregated our
neighborhoods are both racially and socioeconomically. Our schools are some of the most
segregated in the country; our City must continue to work to integrate these schools and provide
equitable education opportunities for all students.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Multilingual government and public education
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Undocumented immigrants should have equal access to education and health
care
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Non-citizen residents should be able to vote in all local elections
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Full rights for transgender persons
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Boards and commissions now reflect the ethnic diversity of San Francisco
While I think our local government leadership has come a long way to reflect the diversity of San
Francisco, I think there is always more we can do to include diverse leadership in our City.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Boards and commissions now reflect the political diversity of San Francisco
While I think our local government leadership has come a long way to reflect the diversity of San
Francisco, I think there is always more we can do to include diverse leadership in our City.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] My campaign reflects the diversity of San Francisco
9) Global and Personal Responsibility:
A) What are your thoughts on the Board of Supervisors taking positions on state, national and
international issues?
When our City's values are under attack, it is the responsibility of the Board to stand by those
values. Especially in this toxic national political climate, it is important for the Board of
Supervisors to speak out and protect our status as a sanctuary city, or a city committed to
sustainability and protecting our environment. It is important for the Board of Supervisors to lead
by example and represent our City if any of those values should be compromised. It is a
Supervisor's job to take care of and pay attention to neighborhood issues, and that includes
protecting our local residents and constituents that may be under attack from the federal
government.
+ - ?
[ ] [- ] [ ] City government cooperating with the PATRIOT Act
[ ] [- ] [ ] City government cooperating with ICE/Secure Communities
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] City government should boycott Israel until it complies with UN resolutions
[+ ] [ ] [ ] SF supervisors should take a position on offshore oil drilling outside CA
B) Please describe how you make your political decisions. What is the main basis for your
decision making (e.g., consultation with your constituents, political consultants, colleagues,
unions, businesses, donors, or your gut feelings)?
I am committed to an open door policy with my constituents. As supervisor, I will have regular
meetings in the community, and the opinion of my constituency will always come first. As a
grassroots candidate, I am not bound to the interests of corporate donors or interests. I do not
have a political consultant, and my decision making will be guided by my stewardship of the
district, not as a politician. As a union member and as someone who grew up in a union family,
ensuring that workers are receiving a living wage and proper working conditions on City projects
will remain a priority.
+ - ?
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Fleet Week and the Blue Angels flyover
[ ] [ - ] [ ] In a severe recession, environmental regulations should be suspended to
create jobs
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Business taxes are too high
10) Sustainability: What does the Transit First City Charter provision mean to you? How has
Transit First fared in recent years, and how would you enforce that Charter Provision if elected?
The Transit First City Charter provision means that we must as a City prioritize public
transportation over private vehicles. The Transit First provision was adopted nearly 50 years
ago, and the City must continue its commitment to public transit first. Our City has fallen behind
on protected bike lanes, expanding our subway, and delivering reliable MUNI service. Now, it
seems as though SFMTA is scrambling to keep up with our growing population. We must stay
ahead of the curve, and continue our public transit commitment.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Muni should be funded sufficiently to replace most car use, and be free to the
rider
MUNI must be become a reliable, efficient system if we hope to bring the majority of residents
out of their cars. As a father of three young children, I know that current MUNI service is sharply
inadequate. I cannot depend on MUNI to ensure that my children arrive to school, doctor's
appointments, or extracurricular activities. MUNI must be funded and held accountable to its
original promise: affordable, accessible transportation for all San Francisco residents, and for
the vast majority of their needs.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Downtown Transit Assessment Tax to support Muni
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Citywide Transit Assessment Tax to support Muni
[ + ] [ ] [ ] More weekend closures of streets in/near my district to cars (e.g., Car-Free
GGP)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] State law change that lets bicycles treat stop signs as yield signs and red
lights as stop signs
[ + ] [ ] [ ] I ride Muni, bicycle and/or walk instead of driving on a regular basis
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Bus Rapid Transit expanded to all major transit corridors in SF
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Car hailing services like Uber and Lyft should be regulated as taxis, or
banned
My understanding is that car hailing services are currently regulated by the State Legislature
and CPUC, and not by the Board of Supervisors. Living in the Sunset, I distinctly remember a
time when it was impossible to hail a taxi from my district, and as a parent, I rely on Uber and
Lyft to successfully transport my children (especially with unreliable MUNI service). I sharply
believe that Uber and Lyft need further regulation, and Uber/Lyft drivers need to be trained on
how to drive in San Francisco (avoid double-parking, etc.); but I don't believe that a full ban is a
sound policy.
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Scooter/similar vehicle rentals should be required to store vehicles on private
property
I apologize, I don't understand this question - what private property? Would they be renting
private property space?
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Allow residents to park on the sidewalk without getting a ticket, unless their
neighbors complain
We must keep sidewalks open and clear for pedestrians.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Congestion pricing for parking
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Power more City vehicles using biofuels (e.g., corn-based ethanol)
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Residents should be allowed to park in the street in front of their own driveway
for free
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Support expanding parking meter hours to include later evening hours and
weekends
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Remove parking spots and car lanes to create dedicated bike and bus lanes or
wider sidewalks
This must be on a case-by-case basis.
Your positions (at the time) on selected current and past Propositions:
+ - ?
[+ ] [ ] [ ] June 2018 Prop F (Eviction Defense)
[ ] [ - ] [ ] June 2018 Prop H (Tasers for SFPD)
[ ] [ -] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop D (Vacancy appointments)
[+ ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop F (16-17 y.o. voting, local elections)
[+ ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop N (Non-citizen voting, school board)
[+ ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop Q (Prohibiting tents on public sidewalks)
[+ ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop 62 (Ending Death Penalty)
[+ ] [ ] [ ] June 2016 Prop B (Rec and Park legislation)
[ ] [- ] [ ] 2015 Prop F (Short Term Rental Regulation)
[ ] [- ] [ ] 2015 Prop I (Mission Luxury Housing Moratorium)
[ ] [- ] [ ] Nov 2014 Prop H (Natural Grass in Parks)
[ ] [- ] [ ] June 2014 Prop B (Waterfront Height Limits)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 2011 Prop C (Mayor's Pension measure)
[ ] [ - ] [ ] 2011 Prop D (Adachi's Pension measure)
[+ ] [ ] [ ] 2010 Prop L (Ban on Sitting on Sidewalks)
[+ ] [ ] [ ] 2010 Prop M (Foot Patrols)