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: Nelson Mei
Phone Number: (415)214-1330
Web site: nelsonmei.com
E-mail: betterfutureforsf@gmail.com
Name of Campaign Manager: Nelson Mei
Are you receiving public financing: No
Signed voluntary spending limit: No
Major Endorsements: None
Your 2nd, 3rd choices for Mayor: None
Who did you endorse for Mayor in 2019 (all 3 choices, if applicable): None
I don't have comment on a lot of the questions, it is just because I don't have enough time to dig into every single detail of the question, and I don't want to give my opinion without fully understanding the situations.
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
Thoughts: I support IRV because it ensures the winner has broad support and reduces the "spoiler effect" by allowing voters to rank candidates.
Effectiveness to date: IRV has been effective in producing winners with majority support and fostering positive campaigning.
Future changes: Enhancing voter education on ranking candidates and investing in better tabulation technology can improve the system's effectiveness and efficiency.
- District Elections
Thoughts: I support district elections because they ensure that local communities are better represented by electing supervisors from specific districts. This increases accountability and responsiveness of elected officials to their constituents' needs.
Effectiveness to date: District elections have generally succeeded in providing more localized representation and addressing the specific needs of diverse communities.
Future changes: Implement fair redistricting processes to prevent gerrymandering.
- Proportional Representation
I support Proportional Representation because it ensures that legislative seats are distributed according to the percentage of votes each party receives, promoting fairness and diversity in representation. However, I am open to exploring alternative methods if they prove to be more effective in achieving these goals.
+ - ?
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Sub-government such as Neighborhood Assemblies, Networks or District Councils
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Voters' right to recall elected officials
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Residency requirements for elected officials should be strictly enforced
B) What strategies would you employ to reduce corruption in San
Francisco government?
Implement comprehensive open data programs to make government operations and spending fully transparent. This allows public scrutiny and helps detect irregularities early.
Conduct regular, random audits of government departments and officials to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Involve third-party auditors to enhance objectivity.
+ - ?
[ ] [ 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 is supported or promoted by a Super PAC
[ ] [ ] [ x ] My campaign has attended events sponsored by "Neighbors for a Better SF", "TogetherSF", "GrowSF" and/or "YIMBY"
2) Ecological Wisdom: Please outline your view of the major
environmental and ecological issues facing San Francisco and your
proposed policies to address them.
I support the transformation to using 100% clean and renewable energy. However, I believe it is crucial to ensure that the technologies are sufficiently advanced and reliable before mandating such a transition. My experience with carbon emissions projects has reinforced my commitment to reducing carbon emissions wherever feasible.
Regarding parking minimums in new housing and commercial developments, I have concerns that reducing or eliminating these requirements may only serve to benefit parking garages rather than addressing broader environmental goals.
On the issue of non-native tree removals, I believe that the decision to remove trees should be based on a comprehensive assessment of their benefits and potential side effects. If a non-native tree can benefit our city and poses no negative impact, there is no compelling reason to remove it.
The use of herbicides in public parks should be carefully regulated. As long as the herbicides are proven to be safe for humans and animals and contribute to the health of the plants, their use can be considered acceptable.
In conclusion, there is no absolute yes or no answer for the multiple choice questions below. Each issue has its own complexities, with both positive and negative aspects that must be carefully weighed before making any decisions.
+ - ?
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Phasing out all diesel and biodiesel transit (e.g., Muni, tour, shuttles)
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Public Power with 100% local/regional clean energy mandate and elected utility board
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Install local/regional clean energy, efficiency, and battery storage and microgrids to supply 100% of our electricity by 2035
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Reducing or eliminating parking minimums in new housing and commercial developments
[ ] [ ] [ x ] 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
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Non-native Tree Removals
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Use of herbicides in public parks
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Artificial turf on City-owned athletic fields
[ x ] [ ] [ ] 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 in San Francisco remains a critical issue, affecting the lives of thousands of individuals and the overall well-being of the city. The complexity of homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that addresses its root causes, including lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, substance abuse, and, most importantly, making drugs inaccessible to those struggling with addiction.
+ - ?
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Project Homeless Connect
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Care Not Cash
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Healthy SF
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Housing As A Right
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Housing First for Homeless, Addiction, Mental Health
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Law against sitting or camping on SF sidewalks
[ ] [ ] [ 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?
+ - ?
[ 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 ] Waive Environmental Review to build Moderate and Low Income Housing
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Social Housing (similar to https://www.sfcommunityhousingact.com/)
[ ] [ x ] [ ] Ban on Airbnb and other short term rentals
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Vacancy tax on residential property and "pied-a-terre" homes
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Flipping taxes on housing speculation
[ ] [ ] [ x ] 10-year waiting period before corporate and nonresident owners can sell purchased housing properties
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Condo conversion is currently too difficult
4) Nonviolence: What are your solutions for SFPD accountability while
making the streets safer?
We currently don't have enough police officers, hiring more police officers is my focus.
+ - ?
[ 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
[ ] [ ] [ ] 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
[ ] [ ] [ x ] End cash bail for nonviolent crimes
[ ] [ x ] [ ] 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?
No comment at the moment. I will think about it later.
+ - ?
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Elected Rent Board
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Elected Public Utility Board
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Bring the Housing Authority under the Board of Supervisors
B) The city currently uses non-profits to provide social services. Do
you think this is an appropriate model? Why or why not?
Yes, it is.
+ - ?
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Expand Participatory Budgeting to at least 5% of the SF Budget
[ ] [ ] [ 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 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?
No comment at the moment. I will think about it later.
+ - ?
[ ] [ ] [ 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 ] 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
[ ] [ ] [ x ] 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?
I don't believe this.
+ - ?
[ 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?
No comment at the moment. I will think about it later.
+ - ?
[ 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
[ ] [ ] [ x ] 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?
No comment at the moment. I will think about it later.
+ - ?
[ ] [ ] [ 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
[ ] [ ] [ 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 will get options from all kinds of people, expert, young, old, man, woman, basically get as more opinions as I can, then I will make decision base on the opinions.
+ - ?
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Fleet Week and the Blue Angels flyover
[ ] [ ] [ x ] JROTC in the public schools
[ ] [ ] [ 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? How has Transit First fared in recent years, and how would
you enforce that Charter Provision if elected?
No comment at the moment. I will think about it later.
+ - ?
[ 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:
I don't have time to learn about all the props, so I don't have comments on those.
+ - ?
[ ] [ ] [ x ] March 2024 Prop E (More Police Chases)
[ ] [ ] [ x ] March 2024 Prop F (Drug Test Poor People)
[ ] [ ] [ x ] June 2022 Prop C (Recall Reform)
[ ] [ ] [ x ] June 2022 Prop H (Boudin Recall)
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Nov 2020 Prop G (16-17 y.o. voting, local elections)
[ ] [ ] [ x ] Nov 2020 Prop I (Real Estate Transfer Tax)
[ ] [ ] [ 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 N (Non-citizen voting, school board)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] Nov 2016 Prop Q (Prohibiting tents on public sidewalks)
[ x ] [ ] [ ] 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.