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: Joel Ventresca
Phone Number: 415-463-5963
Web site: www.joelventresca.com (under construction)
E-mail: ventrescaj@aol.com
Name of Campaign Manager: Joel Ventresca
Are you receiving public financing: No.
Signed voluntary spending limit: No.
Major Endorsements: pending
Your 2nd, 3rd choices for Mayor: None.
Who did you endorse for Mayor in 2018 (all 3 choices, if applicable): Angela Alioto
Who did you endorse for Mayor in 2015 (all 3 choices, if applicable): None
Who did you endorse for Sheriff in 2015: None.
1) Grassroots Democracy: What are your thoughts on Instant Runoff Voting, and District Elections?
I support instant runoff voting and district elections.
How have they worked to date?
Except for the mayor's office, these reforms have worked well.
What would you change in the future?
If elected mayor, I will work to implement 100% clean public money candidate campaigns, and remove all private money from all local elections for office.
+ - ?
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Sub-government such as Neighborhood Assemblies, Networks or District Councils
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Some commissions should be democratically elected
[ ] [ x ] [ ] The Mayor should appoint all commissioners
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Voters' right to recall elected officials (As mayor, I will make it easier to recall elected officials.)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Residency requirements for elected officials should be strictly enforced
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Ethics Commission should be disbanded
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Ethics Commission meetings should be televised
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Ethics Commission should prioritize investigating violations from well-funded campaigns
[ ] [ x ] [ ] My campaign accepts corporate contributions
[ ] [ x ] [ ] 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.
My platform and the policies I will work to implement, if elected mayor, includes the following:
+ - ?
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Phasing out all diesel buses (e.g., Muni, tour, shuttles)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Public Power
[ x ] [ ] [ ] City should take over PG&E distribution in SF
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Install local/regional clean energy, efficiency, and battery storage to supply 50% of our electricity by 2030
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Reducing or eliminating parking minimums in new housing and commercial developments
[ x ] [ ] [ ] As in Bayview, halt all US Navy Treasure Island transfers of lands tested by Tetra Tech, to private developers
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Natural Areas Program
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Mass Tree Removals (I oppose) & Tier One herbicides (I oppose) should not be used in public parks
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Artificial turf on City-owned athletic fields
3) Social Justice:A) What is your assessment of homelessness in San Francisco, and what solutions do you propose?
As mayor, I will end poverty on our streets with a comprehensive homeless program. I will double the budget spend on homelessness. I will provide every homeless person with a shelter bed every day and access to appropriate services (food, clothing, medical care, and other forms of assistance).
+ - ?
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Project Homeless Connect
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Care Not Cash
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Community courts
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Healthy SF
[ x ] [ ] [ ] SF's sick leave requirements
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Law against sitting down on SF sidewalks
[ x ] [ ] [ ] More frequent homeless counts
[ x ] [ ] [ ] I support more homeless navigation centers in my neighborhood
B) What are your views on housing affordability, what public sector strategies have worked, which have failed, and what are your proposals?
As mayor, I will work to adopt the best tenant protection laws in the nation. I will work to reduce displacement, gentrification, and evictions as much as possible with law, regulation, and policy changes. I will work to preserve and build affordable housing for low, moderate, and middle income families and individuals.
+ - ?
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Building more market rate housing will lower housing costs for current SF residents
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Impacts of all new development should be paid for in advance by fees on developers
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Community Land Trusts
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Rent Control is too strong
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Elected Rent Board
[ x ] [ ] [ ] HOME-SF (density bonus program)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Ban on Airbnb and other short term rentals
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Require full disclosure of all corporate/speculative interests in parties purchasing/developing property
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Vacancy tax on empty homes
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Pied-a-terre Tax on residential property owners who do not reside in SF
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Condo conversion is currently too difficult
4) Nonviolence: What are your solutions for SFPD accountability while making the streets safer?
All alleged police officer misconduct involving a killing or physical injury to a member of the public will be transparently and independently investigated by professional investigators with factual evidence disclosed and specific recommendations for corrective actions, if required, including up to termination and prosecution. I will appoint a new police chief and require walking patrols for all sworn police officer each week.
+ - ?
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Prioritize SFPD enforcement of moving violations
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Support expansion of foot patrols
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Demand stricter accountability in future MOUs with the SFPD
[ x ] [ ] [ ] The Board of Supervisors should be able to set policies and priorities for the SFPD through legislation
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Support a public safety program modeled after NYC's "Stop and Frisk."
5) Decentralization: What are your thoughts on the Kaufman Charter of 1996?
I opposed it.
Does it need revisiting?
Yes. As mayor, I will pursue charter reforms that will empower social movements and the progressive movement in San Francisco.
+ - ?
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Bring the Housing Authority under the Board of Supervisors
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Charter amendment allowing voters to choose the replacement of an elected official being recalled on the same ballot as the recall vote
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Immediately implement open-source voting system on the local level
6) Community Based Economics: What economic policies, includingtaxation and land use, would you propose that would drive capital intoour communities and keep that capital here for residents?
I will increase taxes on wealthy corporations and wealthy individuals. I support progressive taxation. I support increasing the minimum wage in fast food establishments to $20.00 an hour. I will tax empty retail storefronts and empty residential units until they are occupied. I will significantly increase business taxes on large businesses and exempt new small businesses from taxes for five years if certain conditions are met.
+ - ?
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Legislation limiting formula retail outlets/chain stores
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Conditional Use permit required for big box stores
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Municipal broadband as a public utility
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Neighborhood cooperatives prioritized as a local supply chain for legalized marijuana
[ x ] [ ] [ ] I support recreational marijuana stores opening in my neighborhood
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Local hiring requirements should be enforced and expanded to include private projects
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Conversion of some golf courses into soccer fields
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Prop 13 limits on tax increases should apply only to residential properties
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Commercial Rent Control
7) Feminism: Do you believe women are underrepresented in city government?
Yes.
If so, why do you believe this is the case?
The percentage of women in the City workforce, the percentage of women in top and middle City government management, and the percentage of women serving as City board and commission members should equal the percentage of women in the total population. Currently, this approach is not being met.
Is this a bad thing.
Yes.
And if so, what would you do to remedy the situation?
The percentage of women in the City workforce, the percentage of women in top and middle City government management, and the percentage of women serving as City board and commission members should equal the percentage of women in the total population or in the total electorate.
+ - ?
[ x ] [ ] [ ] The City should help SFUSD provide child care for children of working parents
[ x ] [ ] [ ] The DPH should provide reproductive health services
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Require parental consent for minors seeking an abortion
[ ] [ x ] [ ] 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 positive and constructive. San Francisco's diversity is its primary strength. I will oppose bias, discrimination, and bigotry in all it forms.
+ - ?
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Multilingual government and public education
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Undocumented immigrants should have equal access to education and health care
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Non-citizen residents should be able to vote in all local elections
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Full rights for transgender persons
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Boards and commissions now reflect the ethnic diversity of San Francisco
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Boards and commissions now reflect the political diversity of San Francisco
[ x ] [ ] [ ] My campaign reflects the diversity of San Francisco
9) Global and Personal Responsibility:A) What are your thoughts on the Mayor and Board of Supervisorstaking positions on state, national and international issues?
Local political leaders should take stands on city, regional, state, national, and international issues.
+ - ?
[ ] [ x ] [ ] City government cooperating with the PATRIOT Act
[ ] [ x ] [ ] City government cooperating with ICE/Secure Communities
[ ] [ ] [ x ] City government should boycott Israel until it complies with UN resolutions
[ x ] [ ] [ ] SF supervisors should take a position on offshore oil drilling outside CA
B) Please describe how you make your political decisions. What is themain basis for your decision making (e.g., consultation with yourconstituents, political consultants, colleagues, unions, businesses,donors, or your gut feelings)?
I collect indisputable facts and indisputable science from numerous sources; and then, I make a decision based on what is in the public's best interest.
+ - ?
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Fleet Week and the Blue Angels flyover
[ ] [ x ] [ ] In a severe recession, environmental regulations should be suspended to create jobs
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Business taxes are too high
10) Sustainability: What does the Transit First City Charter provision mean to you?
As mayor, I will do everything possible to get people out of cars and onto public transit. I want a City where 75% of the residents choose to not own a car. How has Transit First fared in recent years. City Hall has ignored the Transit First policy, and worst, the City has encourage people off of public transit and into cars.
How would you enforce that Charter Provision if elected?
As mayor, I will create a free, reliable, safe, and clean public transit system with significantly increased capacity.
+ - ?
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Muni should be funded sufficiently to replace most car use, and be free to the rider
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Downtown Transit Assessment Tax to support Muni
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Citywide Transit Assessment Tax to support Muni
[ x ] [ ] [ ] More weekend closures of streets in/near my neighborhood to cars (e.g., Car-Free GGP)
[ ] [ x ] [ ] State law change that lets bicycles treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs
[ x ] [ ] [ ] I ride Muni, bicycle and/or walk instead of driving on a regular basis
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Bus Rapid Transit expanded to all major transit corridors in SF
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Car hailing services like Uber and Lyft should be regulated as taxis, or banned
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Allow residents to park on the sidewalk without getting a ticket, unless their neighbors complain
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Congestion pricing for parking
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Power more City vehicles using biofuels (e.g., corn-based ethanol)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Residents should be allowed to park in the street in front of their own driveway for free
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Support expanding parking meter hours to include later evening hours and weekends
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Remove parking spots and car lanes to create dedicated bike and bus lanes or wider sidewalks
Your positions on selected current and past Propositions:
+ - ?
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2019 Uber/Lyft tax
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Nov 2019 Vaping regulations
[ x ] [ ] [ ] June 2018 Prop F (Eviction Defense)
[ ] [ x ] [ ] June 2018 Prop H (Tasers for SFPD)
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop D (Vacancy appointments)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop F (16-17 y.o. voting, local elections)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop N (Non-citizen voting, school board)
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop Q (Prohibiting tents on public sidewalks)
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop R (Neighborhood crime units)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop 62 (Ending Death Penalty)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] June 2016 Prop B (Rec and Park legislation)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] 2015 Prop F (Short Term Rental Regulation)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] 2015 Prop I (Mission Luxury Housing Moratorium)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2014 Prop H (Natural Grass in Parks)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] June 2014 Prop B (Waterfront Height Limits)
[ ] [ x ] [ ] 2011 Prop C (Mayor's Pension measure)
[ ] [ x ] [ ] 2011 Prop D (Adachi's Pension measure)
[ ] [ x ] [ ] 2010 Prop L (Ban on Sitting on Sidewalks)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] 2010 Prop M (Foot Patrols)
Due Date: Tues, Aug 13, 11:59 pm.
Please submit by email to cc@sfgreens.org. For more information, call
Erika McDonald at 415-337-1499. Please return your answers in plain
text (not HTML, PDF, or Word format), so that we can post all
candidates' answers in the same format.
The SF Green Party will invite all candidates who return completed
questionnaires on time to speak and answer questions at our Mayor/Supe
candidate forum and endorsement meeting on August 28 (scheduled for
Wed, Aug 28 from 7-9 pm). If you need to schedule a particular time
slot, or if you are unable to make the meeting, please be in touch
with us at cc@sfgreens.org. Otherwise, we'll interview candidates as
you arrive. Our forum and endorsement meeting will take place in our
office in the Redstone Building, Room 301. The Redstone is located at
2940 16th Street (between Mission and South Van Ness, 1 block from
16th St BART).
Completed questionnaires will be posted on our website,
http://sfgreenparty.org.