Candidate Name: Dr. Bunny McFadden
Phone Number: 8057074693
Web site: bunny4thepeople.com
E-mail: bunny4thepeople@gmail.com
Name of Campaign Manager: Traci Mysliewic
How much do you expect to spend in this contest: I have been told to raise around $25k. I have gotten a check for $250 so far and am going to work diligently to continue raising funds.
Major Endorsements: Working Families Party, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, Connie Chan, Dean Preston, Aaron Peskin, Susan Solomon, Vick Chung, and many others. Full endorsements so far are listed on my website.
Incumbent whose votes are most similar to the way you would vote: Susan Solomon (not running again)
Incumbent who votes least similarly to the way you would vote: Not sure, as our board will navigate different waters than the current board.
1. Do you have practical ideas on how CCSF can be adequately funded?
Enrollment is critical. I also want to find more partnerships, especially those that prioritize the green collar workforce. I think there are opportunities to pursue grants that can fund operational and facility improvements like decarbonization. Most importantly, I want to protect what voters have already decided: Free City is crucial and must not be a political bargaining chip.
2. Why are you running for College Board?
I grew up the youngest of my single, working mother's four daughters. I saw that even when we did our best and did everything according to the rules the system gave us, there were always other factors unseen that tipped the odds against us. I struggled to understand the system, especially the education system, until I had the good fortune of going to community college and learning that education doesn't have to be a game you play to get the highest score. It can be a source of friendship, a renewal of the spirit, and a way to grow as a person. Because of these experiences, I value transparency, inclusion, and putting kindness, joy, and empathy at the front of heavy work. I'm running for City College because I believe in City College, in the power of education, and in putting students first.
3. How are you currently involved in the Community College -- or how were you involved in the past?
I have limited involvement with City College, but have been a student at community college. I have also taught at the high school and community college levels. I have a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. My career has been about workforce development, community engagement, and protecting public resources for the public good.
4. What is your stance on public and private partnerships within the college?
I think it is critical to be transparent and mindful of any potential public private partnerships within our City's institutions. What I learned as a director at Friends of the Urban Forest is that these can be a way of greenwashing a company's reputation. However, I do value working together collaboratively for the common good.
5. What is your position on Free City College? How should it be changed, if at all?
It should be fully funded and protected from political manipulation. I think we can dream bigger.
6. If elected to the Board, how would you ensure that you and the public would receive the college's draft budget with sufficient time to review it thoroughly before adopting it?
Outreach is critical. In my experiences as PTA president, member of the South of Market Childcare Center board, and volunteer steering committee member several years ago for the SF Tenants Union, I've learned that even with the best intentions a draft can be delayed. I will commit to transparency, accountability, and proactive communication if there are any setbacks.
7. What is your position on selling campus properties?
That's a last resort. These are resources that should be carefully considered, not just as a quick check to solve today's problem, but as a place to invest and grow in future decades. Too often, facility and resource management prioritizes the concerns of today without thinking about how future generations will be impacted. I'm not saying it should never happen, but I think it should be on a case-by-case basis with strong rationale.
8. Do you feel there is enough transparency or public disclosure of the Board and the college? How would you change things?
There is a public perception of a lack of transparency. When I decided to run two weeks ago, many who I spoke to shared that the Board of Trustees is treated like a political stepping stone instead of a place that prioritizes students in educational decision-making. Because of those, I think we need to work more mindfully with the public and prove that each of us is there to serve students.
9. Have you attended the Community College Board meeting? Would you change public comment policy at the meetings? If so, how?
I have watched recordings of the board meetings. I have attended SFUSD meetings and had a mixed experience with public comment. I would carefully consider how the current by-laws impact the flow of communication. Public comment is essential and protected part of democracy.
10. How will you increase quality child care at ALL campuses?
As a working mom who completed my doctoral program with two children under 2 years old, I recognize that quality child care can be the make-or-break factor for some students. I will work with my future colleagues to listen to the experiences of both our students and our providers to see what improvements can be made, and I will also factor in geographic / access equity.
11. How will you work to counter and prevent profiling and police harassment on campus? What is your position on police firearms on campus?
This is the only questionnaire that's asked this, so thank you. My family members have experienced the harms of profiling. I will work with the community to limit exposure to policing given the data that shows how often it disproportionately negatively impacts people of color, immigrants, and members of our LGBTQ population. I do not think firearms have a place on campus, but recognize that there needs to be a positive working relationship with the City and County of San Francisco and will follow all local, state, and federal regulations in my work as a trustee.
12. What is your position on allowing noncitizens the right to vote for College Board and other local elections? Did you take a public position on previous ballot initiatives on the subject?
I'm not sure if I've taken a ballot position on this but I think we should expand access for all community members to vote on matters that impact them.
13. What are your views of transportation and pedestrian safety to, from and around City College campuses? What, if anything, would you change, and how would you go about making those changes?
Pedestrian safety is overlooked. Our City has failed to meet the promises of Vision Zero. I will work collaboratively with campus partners to identify problem areas and solutions. I will also continue advocating for public transportation that serves the public to the highest level.
14. What is your position of military recruiting on campus?
I do not think recruitment should occur in a place of learning. One of my sisters is a member of the armed forces and I recognize that it was her chosen path out of our difficult childhood. My chosen path was community college, which enabled me to be the first in my family to get a 4 year degree. If I had gone her way, I would not be where I am today, with a doctorate in education and a dedication to finding ways for the working class to succeed in life without contributing to our imperial evils.