Instructions:
1. There are 10 sections to this questionnaire. Each section
corresponds to the 10 Key Values of the Green Party.
2. Each section contains one or more written questions and ends with
several multiple-choice questions. Please don't skip the written
questions.
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: Ernest EJ Jones
Phone Number: 415-699-9842
Web site: ejforsf.com
E-mail: allofus@ejforsf.com
Name of Campaign Manager: Vanessa Pimentel
Are you receiving public financing: Yes
Signed voluntary spending limit: Yes
2nd, 3rd endorsements in District: Mary and Al Harris, OMI Community Leaders; Geoffrea Morris, Attorney, Policy Advocate, D11 Resident
Major Endorsements: SEIU 1021, IFPTE Local 21, United Educators of San Francisco, AFT2121, San Francisco Rising Action Fund, Transit Workers Local 250A, Teamsters Local 350, Teamsters Joint Council 7, San Francisco Berniecrats
Incumbent Supervisor whose votes are most similar to the way you would vote:
Incumbent who votes least similarly to the way you would vote:
Most: Myrna/Ahsha
Least: Dorsey
If the election were held today, who would you support as Board President:
Melgar
Who would be your second and third choices: Safai, Walton
Who did you endorse for Mayor in 2019 (all 3 choices, if applicable): Breed.
1) Grassroots Democracy:
A) What are your thoughts on Instant Runoff Voting, and District Elections? How have they worked to date? What would you change in the future? What about Proportional Representation?
Instant runoff voting has been successful in empowering voters to vote for candidates most closely aligned to their values. District elections have allowed for the election of candidates who come from the communities they represent and have been particularly beneficial for underrepresented groups. They are beneficial for strengthening our democracy but can certainly be improved, and alternatives should always be considered. I would increase voter education on how these processes work.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Sub-government such as Neighborhood Assemblies, Networks or District Councils
[ ] [ + ] [ ] Voters' right to recall elected officials
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Residency requirements for elected officials should be strictly enforced
B) What strategies would you employ to reduce corruption in San Francisco government?
If elected, I would prioritize the implementation of rigorous transparency measures, such as regular audits and public disclosure of government expenditures and contracts. It would be mandatory for all city officials and employees to undergo ethics training to ensure adherence to ethical standards and conflict-of-interest policies. Strengthening whistleblower protections is also important to encourage the reporting of misconduct without fear of retaliation. Independent oversight bodies should be established to monitor government operations and impartially investigate allegations of corruption. Additionally, advocating for campaign finance reform and promoting active community engagement in government processes are crucial steps to limit undue influence and ensure fair practices.
+ - ?
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Ethics Commission should be disbanded
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Ethics Commission meetings should be televised
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Ethics Commission should prioritize investigating violations from well-funded campaigns
[ ] [ - ] [ ] My campaign is supported or promoted by a Super PAC
[ + ] [ ] [ ] My campaign has attended events sponsored by "Neighbors for a Better SF", "TogetherSF", "GrowSF" and/or "YIMBY"
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Remote public comment at board and committee meetings
2) Ecological Wisdom: Please outline your view of the major environmental and ecological issues facing San Francisco and your proposed policies to address them.
San Francisco faces significant environmental and ecological challenges, including climate change impacts, air quality issues, biodiversity loss, and disparities in environmental justice, especially in working-class communities. If elected, I will advocate for comprehensive policies prioritizing climate action and resilience, including implementing robust plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors while promoting renewable energy sources and green building practices accessible to working-class neighborhoods. Partnering with community organizations and faith-based organizations that focus on education and community engagement initiatives will raise awareness and empower residents to participate in decision-making processes and allow us to understand community needs better.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Phasing out all diesel and biodiesel transit (e.g., Muni, tour, shuttles)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Public Power with 100% local/regional clean energy mandate and elected utility board
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Install local/regional clean energy, efficiency, and battery storage and microgrids to supply 100% of our electricity by 2035
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Reducing or eliminating parking minimums in new housing and commercial developments
[ + ] [ ] [ ] In the Bayview and on Treasure Island, halt all US Navy land transfers to the city or developers, and halt all development, until all sites are retested and cleaned to Residential Standards
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Non-native Tree Removals
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Use of herbicides in public parks
[ ] [ ] [ + ] Artificial turf on City-owned athletic fields
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Managed retreat, Coastal Zone protection, and restoring wetlands 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 is a housing issue and a public health crisis. There is a spectrum of people experiencing homelessness -- not just people who live on the street or shelters, but people “doubling up” in homes for a few months when they lose housing or a job. We need a comprehensive and data-driven approach to homelessness that responds to these different and specific needs.
High-intensity services should be targeted where they are needed the most. It's important to provide services based on people's level of need and allocate public funds to areas that will benefit the greatest number of community members. We should expand outreach, drop-in services, shelter beds, and facilities to keep streets clean, reduce street homelessness, and help people find housing. Developing supportive, permanent affordable housing is crucial to keeping residents housed and off the streets. Additionally, investing in wraparound psychiatric resources is essential to ensure that individuals with the most urgent needs receive proper care and to protect public health and safety for all.
Preventing individuals from becoming homeless in the first place is an impactful, cost-effective, and necessary component in solving homelessness. Many of our neighbors are just one paycheck away from losing their housing due to the affordability crisis. Proposed solutions include emergency and need-based rental and utility assistance, resources for tenant counseling and tenant-landlord dispute mediation and resolution, prioritizing affordable housing construction and rehabilitation, as well as improving 311 service requests for homeless individuals and providing educational outreach for residents to maximize the effectiveness of city services.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Project Homeless Connect
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Care Not Cash
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Healthy SF
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Housing As A Right
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Housing First for Homeless, Addiction, Mental Health
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Law against sitting or camping on SF sidewalks
[+ ] [ ] [ ] 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?
Housing unaffordability continues to be one of the most acute problems impacting low and moderate-income San Francisco families, seniors, residents, and our local employers and economy. If elected, I will strongly support affordable and accessible housing as a fundamental human right. One of the critical steps is advocating for the construction of 100% affordable housing on SFUSD district-owned surplus properties that have been, or may be, rezoned for educator housing. This initiative ensures that teachers and school staff, vital to our community, have access to affordable living options. I believe in collaborating with community leaders, housing activists, and policymakers to develop and implement sustainable solutions to the housing crisis, focusing on long-term strategies that address the root causes of housing unaffordability.
As an Affordable Housing Director with Bernal Heights Housing Corporation, I was dedicated to creating new policies and opportunities for families to remain in San Francisco. This included advocating for the newest two affordable housing buildings in District 11. I also supported using surplus properties to create affordable housing options for working families, efficiently using available land to address housing shortages. We must solve the affordability issues by developing more affordable housing. Simultaneously, we need to address the needs of people who work in San Francisco but cannot afford to live here. Workforce housing is essential for our teachers, nurses, tradespeople, nonprofit employees, and safety professionals because they give their blood, sweat, and tears to a city they cannot fully call their own. I support ensuring that new developments incorporate the highest possible percentage of affordable housing units, prioritizing the construction of homes that cater to the needs of our communities over the profits of real estate developers.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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, Housing Co-ops
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Rent Control is too strong
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Waive Environmental Review to build Moderate and Low Income Housing
[+ ] [ ] [ ] Social Housing (similar to https://www.sfcommunityhousingact.com/)
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Ban on Airbnb and other short term rentals (I support homesharing programs -many seniors do this)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Vacancy tax on residential property and "pied-a-terre" homes
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Flipping taxes on housing speculation
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 10-year waiting period before corporate and nonresident owners can sell purchased housing properties
[ ] [ - ] [ ] Condo conversion is currently too difficult
4) Nonviolence: What are your solutions for SFPD accountability while making the streets safer?
SFPD needs to be held more accountable through more transparent public processes. Public safety is more than a policing issue. Streets can be made safer when we solve the root causes of crime: income inequality, lack of a social safety net, and lack of meaningful community interaction so neighbors can hold each other accountable. We can invest more resources in building the social safety net and conflict resolution and mediation.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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 violent attacks on, and fatal shooting deaths of, SF residents and visitors
[ + ] [ ] [ ] End cash bail for nonviolent crimes
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Cut police funding and increase social program spending, and establish community control of neighborhood policing
5) Decentralization:
A) What are your thoughts on the Kaufman Charter of 1996? Does it need revisiting? Would you support replacing the Strong Mayor system with commissions where the majority of members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors, or directly elected?
The Kaufman Charter of 1996 consolidates executive power under the Mayor's office, altering the balance between the executive and legislative branches. I believe it is important to revisit the Kaufman Charter to assess whether adjustments are needed to better reflect the current needs of San Francisco residents.
I believe that a comprehensive review process, incorporating input from the community, should be undertaken to assess whether replacing the Strong Mayor system with commissions, where a majority of members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors or directly elected, could enhance the city's decision-making process and guarantee broader representation in key areas of governance.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Elected Rent Board
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Elected Public Utility Board
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Bring the Housing Authority under the Board of Supervisors
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Will you create formal district councils to advise you?
B) The city currently uses nonprofits to provide social services. Do
you think this is an appropriate model? Why or why not?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Expand Participatory Budgeting to at least 5% of the District Budget
[ ] [ - ] [ ] 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 for SF elections
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 would promote local businesses, affordable workforce housing so people can live near their work, and ensuring employers and developers pay their fair share of impact mitigation. I would also like to explore ways to better support community-based economics, such as community financial institutions, employee owned businesses, community land trusts, and cooperatives.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Legislation limiting formula retail outlets/chain stores
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Conditional Use permit required for big box stores
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Municipal broadband as a public utility
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Neighborhood cooperatives prioritized as a local supply chain for legalized marijuana (Our neighborhood has many and I support a moratorium until there is supply and demand parity)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] I support recreational marijuana stores opening in my district
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Local hiring requirements should be enforced and expanded to include private projects
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Strong preference for union jobs
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Conversion of some golf courses into soccer fields
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Conversion of some golf courses into wild open space
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Prop 13 limits on tax increases should apply only to residential properties
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Commercial Rent Control
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Transition all residential and small business rental
properties into not-for-profit trusts and co-ops
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Vacancy and flipping taxes on local small business property
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Transaction/Flipping taxes on all asset speculation to increase city budget
[ + ] [ ] [ ] San Francisco Public Bank by 2027
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?
Yes. One reason is insufficient family policies that disincentivize caretakers (often women) from staying in the workforce and advancing in their careers. We need to pass policies that do not penalize women for caring for their families.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] The City should help SFUSD provide child care for children of working parents
[ + ] [ ] [ ] The DPH should provide reproductive health services to both residents and visitors
[ ] [ + ] [ ] 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?
San Francisco is a beacon for people to find a community where they are not accepted elsewhere (eg. the LGBTQ community, immigrants/refugees/asylum seekers) and it has created a multicultural community that benefits all. San Francisco has enormous income inequality, and we need to close the wealth gap, reduce poverty, and ensure equality of opportunity.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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 and non-gender-binary 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
[ ] [ - ] [ ] End Drag Queen Story Hour and K-12 School Education on Gender Spectrum Differences
9) Global and Personal Responsibility:
A) What are your thoughts on the Board of Supervisors taking positions on state, national and international issues?
The Board of Supervisors should take positions on state, national, and international issues that directly affect their constituents.
+ - ?
[ ] [ - ] [ ] 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 and international law
[ + ] [ ] [ ] SF supervisors should take a position on offshore oil drilling outside CA
[ x ] [ ] [ ] SF should refuse to purchase PG&E's nuclear power
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 consider the input from multiple stakeholders, including constituents, labor, the business community, subject matter experts, and most importantly, the people most impacted by policy, while considering what will benefit San Franciscans in the long term. I have a background in community and neighborhood organizing and a track record of building successful coalitions.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Fleet Week and the Blue Angels flyover
[ + ] [ ] [ ] JROTC in the public schools
[ ] [ - ] [ ] 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 has set a guideline on our priority for environmentally sustainable transit options and could constantly be improved.
+ - ?
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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 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
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Scooter/similar vehicle rentals should be required to store vehicles on private property
[ + ] [ ] [ ] 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
Your positions (at the time) on selected current and past Propositions (skip any for which you didn't live or vote in SF, or didn't take a position at the time):
+ - ?
[ ] [ - ] [ ] March 2024 Prop E (More Police Chases)
[ ] [ - ] [ ] March 2024 Prop F (Drug Test Poor People)
[+ ] [ ] [ ] June 2022 Prop C (Recall Reform)
[ ] [ - ] [ ] June 2022 Prop H (Boudin Recall)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2020 Prop G (16-17 y.o. voting, local elections)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2020 Prop I (Real Estate Transfer Tax)
[+ ] [ ] [ ] June 2018 Prop F (Eviction Defense)
[ ] [ - ] [ ] June 2018 Prop H (Tasers for SFPD)
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop D (Vacancy appointments)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop N (Non-citizen voting, school board)
[ ] [x ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop Q (Prohibiting tents on public sidewalks)
[ + ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop 62 (Ending Death Penalty)
Due Date: Friday, June 21, 11:59 pm
Please submit by email to cc@sfgreens.org. For more information, call
Barry Hermanson at 415-255-9494. 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 selected candidates who return
completed questionnaires on time to speak and answer questions at our
candidate forum and endorsement meeting. To be given time on our
agenda, each candidate needs at least three active Green Party members
to request their invitation. This will be a hybrid meeting, so
invited candidates may also speak with us via Zoom.
Our endorsement meeting is scheduled for Wed, June 26 from 6:30-9:30
pm at our office, 2973 16th St, #300, SF - note that this is across
the street from our old office in the Redstone Building. The first
two hours will be for interviews of selected candidates, and the last
hour will be for decision making.
Completed questionnaires will be posted on our website,
https://sfgreenparty.org.