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: Connie Chan
Phone Number: (415) 545-8706
Web site: conniechansf.com
E-mail: connie@conniechansf.com
Name of Campaign Manager: Kelly Akemi Groth
Are you receiving public financing: Yes
Signed voluntary spending limit: Yes 2nd, 3rd endorsements in District: None
Major Endorsements: US Senator Kamala Harris, Former State Senator Mark Leno, Board of Supervisors President Norman Yee, Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, Supervisor Gordon Mar, Supervisor Dean Preston, Supervisor Matt Haney, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, Supervisor Hillary Ronen, Supervisor Shamann Walton, AFT 2121, San Francisco Rising Action Fund, San Francisco Berniecrats, San Francisco Latino Democratic Club, San Francisco Tenants Union, Richmond District Democratic Club
Incumbent Supervisor whose votes most reflect your values: Sandra Lee Fewer
Incumbent whose votes least reflect your values: Catherine Stefani
If the election were held today, who would you support as Board President:
Who would be your second and third choices: I support a leader who cares about the progressive movement, including the commitment to rally for the progressive super majority at the Board of Supervisors so we can create a check and balance approach to city government during our interaction with the Mayor. I also look for someone who cares about the Richmond neighborhood, and will provide me the support to tackle the challenges that our Richmond community faces. So that is the leader that I look for, and would support as Board of President.

Who did you endorse for Mayor in 2019 (all 3 choices, if applicable): No endorsement
Who did you endorse for Mayor in 2018 (all 3 choices, if applicable): Jane Kim, Mark Leno
Who did you endorse for Mayor in 2015 (all 3 choices, if applicable): No endorsement
Who did you endorse for Sheriff in 2015: No endorsement

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?

Your response:

District Elections have drastically increased diverse representation on the Board of Supervisors, especially among marginalized communities that historically have experienced voter suppression. And Instant Runoff Voting, also known as Rank Choice Voting, has allowed voting results without further delays or additional costs, which also prevent election errors and close campaign loopholes. I believe the next step in lowering barriers to the ballot box and increasing voter participation and enfranchisement is having more transparency behind campaign finance, increasing voter education and outreach especially in Limited English Proficient communities and for disabled residents, and ensuring an equitable transition to the Voters Choice Act.

Multiple choice questions:
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Residency requirements for elected officials should be strictly enforced
[ ] [ - ] [ ] 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.

Your response:

The climate crisis has hurt our communities for decades and disproportionately affects low-income and marginalized communities, especially our communities of color on the southeast corner of our city. I knew this as an aide to Supervisor Maxwell and worked on the effort to shut down the Mirant Power Plant that hurt the communities of color living in its proximity.

Today's joint health and economic crisis are compounding this reality. Environmental justice requires economic justice �" we can't have one without the other. Investing in a greener future will support, not hinder, economic recovery.

To maintain environmental gains in spite of the current crisis, I support greater outreach to build CleanPowerSF's customer base while also supporting programs to include more low-income residents so more can use the program's clean energy.

San Francisco must be responsive and resilient to a variety of climate change's impacts including drought and sea level rise. I support urgent work to increase accessibility to open space, protect from earthquakes and future sea level rise, and ensure plans reflect community involvement throughout the process. This includes finalizing and delivering plans for protecting Ocean Beach and the land around Great Highway in a sustainable manner.

San Franciscans also pride themselves in values of tolerance and equity. We must unpack and examine how these values have been applied to our waterfront and do the real work of fighting for environmental justice and equitable access to waterfront open space and amenities.

We must act now to address these future challenges.

Multiple choice questions:
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Phasing out all diesel buses (e.g., Muni, tour, shuttles)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Public Power
[ + ] [ ] [ ] City should take over PG&E distribution in SF - I support with a commitment to transition the workforce
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Reducing or eliminating parking minimums in new housing and commercial developments
[ + ] [ ] [ ] As in Bayview, halt all US Navy Treasure Island transfers of lands tested by Tetra Tech, to private developers
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Natural Areas Program
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Tree Removals
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Use of Tier One herbicides in public parks
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Addition of SF Groundwater to City's potable supply
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Artificial turf on City-owned athletic fields - We need up to date data to help us determine the use of artificial materials of any kinds in our public space especially our parks and recreation space. Now there is an ongoing process of replacing rubber tire surface to coconut fiber for soccer/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?

Your response:

San Francisco's homelesness crisis is a humanitarian one. I am invested in strategies to reduce homelessness and support unhoused people getting off the streets and into stable housing. Homelessness is a symptom of a systemic problem: the lack of economic and racial equity, the lack of equitable access to healthcare, and lack of access to food security for many generations of working people.

The Richmond District has not received our share of city resources, despite the growing homeless population in the neighborhood. We know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to homelessness, so we need a multi-pronged approach to address the range of reasons that people become homeless. I am committed to fighting for the resources and initiatives that will get unhoused residents off the streets and into shelter. I support the expansion of shelters and navigation centers, permanent supportive housing, and mental health and substance use treatment facilities for long-term stays.

We need coordinated and equitable services and resources for San Francisco's homeless residents to help them have safe shelter, supportive housing, food and job security, as well as accessible health care.

Multiple choice questions:
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Project Homeless Connect
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Care Not Cash
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Community courts
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Healthy SF
[ + ] [ ] [ ] SF's sick leave requirements
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Law against sitting down on SF sidewalks
[ + ] [ ] [ ] More frequent homeless counts
[ + ] [ ] [ ] I support more homeless navigation centers in my district

B) What are your views on housing affordability, what public sector strategies have worked, which have failed, and what are your proposals?

Your response:

I support and will advocate for the preservation and production of 100% affordable housing, focused on low- and middle-income residents. We also need to preserve existing affordable housing as possible, which means we need to preserve current stock of rent-controlled units and place further rent control regulations on units, including below market rate rental units built after 1979. I support a balanced approach to development that prioritizes protections against displacement for vulnerable tenants.

My vision for housing development also includes community benefits such as ground-floor space that meets the needs of the neighborhood residents, environmentally sustainable design, union labor and local hire, and more. I will push the City to invest more deeply in the small site acquisition program to preserve rent-controlled apartment buildings and prevent evictions.

The City should invest more deeply in our Small Site Acquisition Program to preserve rent-controlled apartment buildings and prevent tenant evictions. Then, for the long term, the City has to expand funding for first-time home buyer programs for working class families, and develop a supportive system for homeowners and renters on fixed incomes. We must also prevent further tragedy on our streets and pave a pathway to bringing our homeless population off the streets into Single Room-Occupancy (SRO) units and long-term supportive housing, invest in improving the conditions of shelters and SROS, and transition the current housing insecure population to workforce and permanent affordable housing.

Multiple choice questions:
+ - ?
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Building more market rate housing will lower housing costs for current SF residents
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Impacts of all new development should be paid for in advance by fees on developers
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Community Land Trusts
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Rent Control is too strong
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Elected Rent Board
[ ] [ - ] [ ] HOME-SF (density bonus program)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Social Housing (similar to https://www.sfcommunityhousingact.com/)
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Ban on Airbnb and other short term rentals - I support further regulation on Airbnb and other short term rentals
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Condo conversion is currently too difficult
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Eliminating transfer of entitlements in real estate transfers
[ + ] [ ] [ ] #30RightNow - Fully funding direct access to housing for tenants in supportive housing, to lower rents to 30% of their income

4) Nonviolence: What are your solutions for SFPD accountability while making the streets safer?

Your response:

At a D1 candidate forum, weeks before the murder of George Floyd, we were asked whether we'd pledge to increase the SFPD's budget �" I was the only canidate to say, “No.” I support fundamentally restructuring our police officers' role in our community so that they will no longer be involved in homeless sweeps, mental health and wellness calls, or behavioral discipline of our students. Instead, we need to have health care professionals and social workers provide the services that meet these needs.

I also support the current proposal to redirect funding to supporting our public health care and public education systems that will serve our immigrants, communities of color and working people, but this conversation must not end this year. We must be vigilant, and continue to build on the momentum of this moment to make the changes we all deserve in the interest of public safety. Our communities can no longer wait for police reform �" we have to keep fighting until public safety and justice are delivered.

Multiple choice questions:
+ - ?
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] 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
[ ] [ - ] [ ] 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
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Demilitarize SFPD - Removal of tactical military weapons (e.g., tear gas, assault rifles) and vehicles from SFPD's arsenal/fleet
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Defund SFPD - Commit to permanent reduction of the number of SFPD officers - I believe that we need a new metric to determine the appropriate staff level with SFPD, and this should also include the fact that we are fundamentally restructuring our police officers' roles in our community.

5) Decentralization: What are your thoughts on the Kaufman Charter of 1996? Does it need revisiting?

Your response:

Authored by former Supervisor Barbara Kaufman, the Charter of 1996, created the position of City Administrator directly reporting to the Mayor with the power of overseeing most city departments unless commission oversight is given. The Charter consolidated and boosted mayoral power, and allowed the festering of pay-to-play culture in City Hall. To date, we are still seeing inefficiencies among city departments even with the City's growing budget, now has ballooned to $12.5 billion, and tackling a $1.7 billion deficit due to the impact of pandemic. All which is to say, I look forward to examining the City Administrator's jurisdiction and the office's structure.

Multiple choice questions:
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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 - We must make sure our electronic voting systems are secure

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?

Your response:

In the face of a $1.7 billion budget deficit, we must prioritize resources to equitably serve working people, small businesses, and vulnerable communities. To support our city's recovery from this pandemic, we need to invest in our public health care system, public schools, and key economic and job development opportunities. These strategies are also an important part of improving public safety for our communities.

Meanwhile, American billionaires have made $434 billion more, and American corporations have received $135 billion in taxpayer bailouts during this pandemic. It is relevant to San Francisco because we have one billionaire out of every 11,600 people living in our City, and a corporate landlord like Veritas has received $3 million from the Paycheck Protection Program. This is how we know our economy, including our local economy is rigged. So we need to reform our local business tax and make corporations and their executives pay their fair share to support our small businesses, city services and programming immediately. As a result, while I understand ballot measures are going through the legislative vetting process at the moment, I support tax measures proposed by the Board of Supervisors that will allow immediate tax reform.

We must streamline city departments to ensure there is duplicate efforts or waste. We cannot shortchange our city residents who need help the most - and we need to act to make sure residents understand our budget is serving their needs - not the special and corporate interests.

Multiple choice questions:
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Legislation limiting formula retail outlets/chain stores
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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 *Any residential and commercial developments should go through a community driven decision process in coordination with city departments.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Local hiring requirements should be enforced and expanded to include private projects
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Conversion of some golf courses into soccer fields
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Commercial Rent Control

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?

Your response:

Right now there are only three women on the Board of Supervisors. If elected, I would be the only Chinese American woman on the Board. We need a Board of Supervisors, Commissioners, and department heads to reflect the diversity of our city and right now, I don't believe we are doing that.

Most of my life I have been mentored and employed by amazing women who lifted me and my career path up, and I pledge to do the same. Having women mentors is incredibly important to the growth and development of young girls especially in city government.

In order to continue to elevate women's voices in city government I pledge to directly appoint and otherwise women, particularly BIPOC women, in office appointments. Increased diversity in elected offices, commissions, and Citizens Advisory Committees allows for often marginalized voices to have a seat at the table and creates better outcomes. As a city we need to do better, and as candidates we need to help build a diverse pipeline for young women.

Multiple choice questions:
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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?

Your response:

San Francisco is a better city when it is affordable and open to everyone, not just the wealthy. We need more resources to ensure we have equitable city services in neighborhoods across the city. We need to continue building and maintaining affordable housing to provide a range of housing options that serve to protect and expand the city's true diversity. This is to allow for seniors living on a fixed income, childcare workers that support us all, artists that make our communities vibrant, and so on. In addition to housing, we also have to break down the barriers of geographic segregations particularly in our school populations. Our schools should reflect the diverse communities that surround the schools.

Multiple choice questions:
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Boards and commissions now reflect the political diversity of San Francisco
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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?

Your response:

Where San Francisco goes, the nation follows. We lead on progressive issues including leading on gay marriage, being a sanctuary city, and calling for the impeachment of Trump. The Board of Supervisors should look to lead the resistance against the Federal government, especially in these uncertain times.

Multiple choice questions:
+ - ?
[ ] [ - ] [ ] 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 - I would like to have a conversation with Green Party members and community members to learn more
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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)?

Your response:

In my 15 years experience in city government, Iknow that in order to make anything happen, it takes comprehensive planning. As supervisor, I will make sure we include people who will be most impacted by decisions to be at the table �" labor, local merchants, working class families, seniors, people with disabilities, immigrants and communities of color. I will work to ensure the City's departments have an inclusive approach working with the city and stakeholders, and to ensure that projects or improvements are done on budget and on time, and have a plan to mitigate community impact.

We also have to redesign not only the way the City conducts community outreach, but also reframe the surveys and conversations with community planning to make sure that we are inclusive and with considerations of the needs of our community, including language and cultural competency. If I am elected as a member of the Board of Supervisors, I will utilize tools such public hearings, community town hall, email newsletter, and if necessary legislation to ensure our city departments to brainstorm and/or present their proposed projects to collect community feedback in an equitable manner before implementation.

Multiple choice questions:
+ - ?
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Fleet Week and the Blue Angels flyover - While I know generations of San Franciscans have enjoyed Blue Angels performance during Fleet Week, I am concerned with the safety of the general public having the performance in our City that is densely populated.
[ ] [ - ] [ ] 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?

Your response:

Public transit in San Francisco is a critical part of the City's infrastructure, depended on by residents and workers in the Richmond District and citywide. But many of our systems are not user friendly or welcoming. We need a better experience for all riders and to attract new ones. Everyone, whether they ride a bus or train, deserves to travel with dignity. This involves improved shelters with accurate, real-time information, seating, and actual protection from the weather.

Fares need to be more accessible to all. I will fight for more efficient and reliable public transportation, and break down cost barriers for riders, especially those traveling regionally. This includes to be at the table for regional solutions for a centralized transit fare system, and consistent way-finding signage and transit mapping, as well as on-time and efficient transit schedules for people to travel from one area/county/city to another. Finally, following the lead of the Human Rights Commission, the SFMTA must make Clipper more accessible to all and reduce administrative barriers (and their associated expenses) to free and reduced fare programs.

Multiple choice questions:
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Muni should be funded sufficiently to replace most car use, and be free to the rider
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] 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 JFK in GGP)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Make "Slow Streets" permanent after the pandemic
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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 - Public transit and walking were my only options most of my life and it wasn't until I became a mother and moved to the Richmond District that I started driving on a regular basis. This reality is a call to action for making the improvements needed to make transit a viable option for all.
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Bus Rapid Transit expanded to all major transit corridors in SF - BRT is one tool and I believe in data and good policy. When it meets the needs of residents and riders, I support using all of the available tools to improve transit. That said, the city must see that projects are delivered efficiently, on time, include community input, and don't hurt small businesses. Contractors that fail to serve the city well must also be held accountable.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Car hailing services like Uber and Lyft should be regulated as taxis, or banned
[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Scooter/similar vehicle rentals should be required to store vehicles on private property - I look forward to seeing what the new regulations have achieved
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Allow residents to park on the sidewalk without getting a ticket, unless their neighbors complain
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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 should be done in a community driven process

Your positions (at the time, if you took a position) on selected current and past Propositions:
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2020 Split roll tax assessment (Prop 13 reform)

[ + ] [ ] [ ] March 2020 Prop E (Office development)

[ ] [ - ] [ ] Nov 2019 Prop C (Vaping regulations)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2019 Prop D (Uber/Lyft tax) - This is a start to regulate Transportation Network Companies in San Francisco but more needs to be done

[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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 R (Neighborhood crime units)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop 62 (Ending Death Penalty)

[ ] [ ] [ ? ] June 2016 Prop B (Rec and Park legislation) - While we should most definitely fully fund our efforts to maintain our open space and parks, I have questions around whether the baseline measure is enough and how the funds are spent.

[ + ] [ ] [ ] 2015 Prop F (Short Term Rental Regulation)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 2015 Prop I (Mission Luxury Housing Moratorium)

[ ] [ ] [ ? ] Nov 2014 Prop H (Natural Grass in Parks) - I support maintaining and even expanding natural open spaces. However, areas centered on recreational activities should best facilitate those activities.
[ + ] [ ] [ ] June 2014 Prop B (Waterfront Height Limits)