Meet San Francisco’s 2020 Supervisor Candidates > District 7

2020 San Francisco Supervisor Candidates from District 7

SUPPORTSOPPOSESABSTAINS

District 7


Joel Engardio


STEPHEN MARTIN-PINTO


Ben Matranga


Myrna Melgar


Emily Murase


Vilaska Nguyen


Kenneth E. Piper

ECONOMY

Raise business taxes as a primary response to SF’s current recession

Audit all of the City’s departments to reduce the budget

HOUSING

Upzone around transit and commercial corridors to increase density in SF

Offer tenants full or partial forgiveness for missed rent during COVID-19

HOMELESSNESS/MENTAL HEALTH

Build a Navigation Center in each district

Expand the use of SF’s current conservatorship program

TRANSPORTATION

Enact congestion pricing in SF

Make some “Slow Streets” in SF permanent

TECH

Build an SF-government operated public internet system

Expand micro-mobility options as a transit solution (e.g. e-bikes/scooters)

What’s your favorite App?

The New York Times

Twitter

MuniMobile

Twitter

Nextdoor

Spotify

News Aggregators

LEARN MORE

Joel Engardio

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

During my campaign, I’ve written and spoken about the importance of expanding modern internet infrastructure by connecting every residence in the city to fiber optic networks. As work-from-home becomes a fact of life, San Francisco needs to provide reliable, high-speed internet for all communities.

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

I agree with Gavin Newsom and Joe Biden: we need to reimagine the police. The police reforms we want to see can’t happen without investment in modified training and recruitment. I would also like to put resources toward hiring more teachers and social workers who can make a direct impact on young lives.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

Cutting costs. The budget doubled the past decade and we had a $500 million deficit before the pandemic. Why? Because we have 40,000 city employees — one for every 22 residents. This isn't sustainable. Mayor Newsom cut salaries and jobs in the Great Recession. Raising taxes kills the golden goose because companies will relocate.

LEARN MORE

Stephen Martin-Pinto

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

I would entertain the idea of subsidies to low-income residents so they can afford internet service.

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

No, I will not support the defunding of police.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

Cutting costs because that is guaranteed to save money versus raising taxes which has often times, unpredictable, unknown effects that don't always raise revenue as planned.

LEARN MORE

Ben Matranga

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

I co-founded the world’s first impact investment fund to bridge the digital divide around the world. This is the water I swim in. I would not merely support piecemeal initiatives. I would be ready on day one to lead an effort to build a universal fiber network and work to ensure every community has access to high-speed connectivity.

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

I do not believe we should divert funding from public safety given the identified needs of retirements and the high quality of new academy cadets. I support reform efforts including more training, tools, and transparency. Police officers should not be responding to mental health calls for which they are not trained.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

The City cannot afford more tax increases. The City must strategically cut costs and ensure the burden does not fall on working families and already struggling small businesses. As Supervisor, I’ll put my over 15 years of experience managing budgets and conducting audits to identify what works and cut what doesn’t immediately.

LEARN MORE

Myrna Melgar

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

Each child entering the SFUSD in kindergarten should get a tablet or laptop along with enrolling in the kindergarten to college program- it is basic infrastructure for our present needs. Additionally, working with community partners, we should ensure every family is connected to the internet, and gets basic digital literacy

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

Yes. The Community Ambassadors program, substance use prevention, drug treatment on demand, mental health treatment and prevention, neighborhood preparedness and neighborhood watch, neighbor conflict resolution (community boards), gang and anti violence prevention, gender violence prevention, workforce training, gun buy back programs.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

We must do both but during the pandemic, generating more revenue is most important. We must invest in San Francisco's recovery.

LEARN MORE

Emily Murase

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

I would convene Internet services providers to make San Francisco the first city to provide free Wi-Fi for all. I would also work together with the Board of Education to provide devices for all SFUSD students to ensure access to online learning for all students.

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

I oppose cutting the budget of the Police Department but I do support increasing funding within the Department's budget for community policing and outreach, additional recruitment support for a more diverse and inclusive workforce, and expanded training in de-escalation and conflict resolution.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

Widespread economic hardship is not the time for new taxes. I served in the White House when Clinton and Gore launched "Reinventing Government" that energized federal workers to identify cost-cutting measures. If each of the 37,000 city employees came up with one idea to save $1000, the City would capture $37M in savings.

LEARN MORE

Vilaska Nguyen

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

There were a lot of educational equity issues pre-COVID that have been exacerbated by shelter-in-place and online learning. We need to invest in schools, make education a top priority, and support our educators and paraeducators as they lead on the best ways to educate our students during COVID.

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

Yes. If we’re successful in defunding SFPD, I would be interested in seeing those funds reallocated towards services that address our housing crisis, homelessness crisis, and the systemic racism in our broken systems. As Supervisor, I would support measures reallocating funds towards our Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

Revenue will be the most important issue for the next few years. The Mayor’s Office and her allies are already falling into the trap of austerity thinking, forcing communities to fight over a small slice of the pie. That’s completely wrong. We need to grow the pie during these crises.

LEARN MORE

Kenneth E. Piper

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

Internet for all. However, this is creating the correct playing field for private companies - not for the government to create an internet service.

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

I agree with chief Scott – that a portion of the SFPD budget can be allocated to other services. Reallocating the $s can help, but it needs to be tracked and accountability needs to be in place. I want to see the impact before deciding if it should continue.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

Cutting costs. I've been in multiple debates where other candidates have stated "Revenue, revenue, revenue" as if tax dollars will fall from the sky. Well, far from it. In 10 years our SF city employees have grown by over 30% and our budget has grown nearly 135%. All while our population has only inched along. CUT COSTS.

Joel Engardio

Joel Engardio

ECONOMY

Raise business taxes as a primary response to SF’s current recession - OPPOSES

Audit all of the City’s departments to reduce the budget - SUPPORTS

HOUSING

Upzone around transit and commercial corridors to increase density in SF - SUPPORTS

Offer tenants full or partial forgiveness for missed rent during COVID-19 - ABSTAINS

HOMELESSNESS/MENTAL HEALTH

Build a Navigation Center in each district - OPPOSES

Expand the use of SF’s current conservatorship program - SUPPORTS

TRANSPORTATION

Enact congestion pricing in SF - ABSTAINS

Make some “Slow Streets” in SF permanent - SUPPORTS

TECH

Build an SF-government operated public internet system - ABSTAINS

Expand micro-mobility options as a transit solution (e.g. e-bikes/scooters) - SUPPORTS

What’s your favorite App? - The New York Times

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

During my campaign, I’ve written and spoken about the importance of expanding modern internet infrastructure by connecting every residence in the city to fiber optic networks. As work-from-home becomes a fact of life, San Francisco needs to provide reliable, high-speed internet for all communities.

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

I agree with Gavin Newsom and Joe Biden: we need to reimagine the police. The police reforms we want to see can’t happen without investment in modified training and recruitment. I would also like to put resources toward hiring more teachers and social workers who can make a direct impact on young lives.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

Cutting costs. The budget doubled the past decade and we had a $500 million deficit before the pandemic. Why? Because we have 40,000 city employees — one for every 22 residents. This isn't sustainable. Mayor Newsom cut salaries and jobs in the Great Recession. Raising taxes kills the golden goose because companies will relocate.

Stephen Martin-Pinto

Stephen Martin-Pinto

ECONOMY

Raise business taxes as a primary response to SF’s current recession - OPPOSES

Audit all of the City’s departments to reduce the budget - SUPPORTS

HOUSING

Upzone around transit and commercial corridors to increase density in SF - SUPPORTS

Offer tenants full or partial forgiveness for missed rent during COVID-19 - SUPPORTS

HOMELESSNESS/MENTAL HEALTH

Build a Navigation Center in each district - OPPOSES

Expand the use of SF’s current conservatorship program - SUPPORTS

TRANSPORTATION

Enact congestion pricing in SF - OPPOSES

Make some “Slow Streets” in SF permanent - OPPOSES

TECH

Build an SF-government operated public internet system - OPPOSES

Expand micro-mobility options as a transit solution (e.g. e-bikes/scooters) - SUPPORTS

What’s your favorite App? - Twitter

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

I would entertain the idea of subsidies to low-income residents so they can afford internet service.

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

No, I will not support the defunding of police.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

Cutting costs because that is guaranteed to save money versus raising taxes which has often times, unpredictable, unknown effects that don't always raise revenue as planned.

Ben Matranga

Ben Matranga

ECONOMY

Raise business taxes as a primary response to SF’s current recession - OPPOSES

Audit all of the City’s departments to reduce the budget - SUPPORTS

HOUSING

Upzone around transit and commercial corridors to increase density in SF - SUPPORTS

Offer tenants full or partial forgiveness for missed rent during COVID-19 - SUPPORTS

HOMELESSNESS/MENTAL HEALTH

Build a Navigation Center in each district - OPPOSES

Expand the use of SF’s current conservatorship program - SUPPORTS

TRANSPORTATION

Enact congestion pricing in SF - OPPOSES

Make some “Slow Streets” in SF permanent - SUPPORTS

TECH

Build an SF-government operated public internet system - SUPPORTS

Expand micro-mobility options as a transit solution (e.g. e-bikes/scooters) - SUPPORTS

What’s your favorite App? - MuniMobile

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

I co-founded the world’s first impact investment fund to bridge the digital divide around the world. This is the water I swim in. I would not merely support piecemeal initiatives. I would be ready on day one to lead an effort to build a universal fiber network and work to ensure every community has access to high-speed connectivity.

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

I do not believe we should divert funding from public safety given the identified needs of retirements and the high quality of new academy cadets. I support reform efforts including more training, tools, and transparency. Police officers should not be responding to mental health calls for which they are not trained.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

The City cannot afford more tax increases. The City must strategically cut costs and ensure the burden does not fall on working families and already struggling small businesses. As Supervisor, I’ll put my over 15 years of experience managing budgets and conducting audits to identify what works and cut what doesn’t immediately.

Myrna Melgar

Myrna Melgar

ECONOMY

Raise business taxes as a primary response to SF’s current recession - SUPPORTS

Audit all of the City’s departments to reduce the budget - SUPPORTS

HOUSING

Upzone around transit and commercial corridors to increase density in SF - SUPPORTS

Offer tenants full or partial forgiveness for missed rent during COVID-19 - SUPPORTS

HOMELESSNESS/MENTAL HEALTH

Build a Navigation Center in each district - OPPOSES

Expand the use of SF’s current conservatorship program - SUPPORTS

TRANSPORTATION

Enact congestion pricing in SF - SUPPORTS

Make some “Slow Streets” in SF permanent - SUPPORTS

TECH

Build an SF-government operated public internet system - SUPPORTS

Expand micro-mobility options as a transit solution (e.g. e-bikes/scooters) - SUPPORTS

What’s your favorite App? - Twitter

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

Each child entering the SFUSD in kindergarten should get a tablet or laptop along with enrolling in the kindergarten to college program- it is basic infrastructure for our present needs. Additionally, working with community partners, we should ensure every family is connected to the internet, and gets basic digital literacy.

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

Yes. The Community Ambassadors program, substance use prevention, drug treatment on demand, mental health treatment and prevention, neighborhood preparedness and neighborhood watch, neighbor conflict resolution (community boards), gang and anti violence prevention, gender violence prevention, workforce training, gun buy back programs.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

We must do both but during the pandemic, generating more revenue is most important. We must invest in San Francisco's recovery.

Emily Murase

Emily Murase

ECONOMY

Raise business taxes as a primary response to SF’s current recession - OPPOSES

Audit all of the City’s departments to reduce the budget - SUPPORTS

HOUSING

Upzone around transit and commercial corridors to increase density in SF - OPPOSES

Offer tenants full or partial forgiveness for missed rent during COVID-19 - OPPOSES

HOMELESSNESS/MENTAL HEALTH

Build a Navigation Center in each district - OPPOSES

Expand the use of SF’s current conservatorship program - SUPPORTS

TRANSPORTATION

Enact congestion pricing in SF - OPPOSES

Make some “Slow Streets” in SF permanent - OPPOSES

TECH

Build an SF-government operated public internet system - OPPOSES

Expand micro-mobility options as a transit solution (e.g. e-bikes/scooters) - SUPPORTS

What’s your favorite App? - NextDoor

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

I would convene Internet services providers to make San Francisco the first city to provide free Wi-Fi for all. I would also work together with the Board of Education to provide devices for all SFUSD students to ensure access to online learning for all students.

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

I oppose cutting the budget of the Police Department but I do support increasing funding within the Department's budget for community policing and outreach, additional recruitment support for a more diverse and inclusive workforce, and expanded training in de-escalation and conflict resolution.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

Widespread economic hardship is not the time for new taxes. I served in the White House when Clinton and Gore launched "Reinventing Government" that energized federal workers to identify cost-cutting measures. If each of the 37,000 city employees came up with one idea to save $1000, the City would capture $37M in savings.

Vilaska Nguyen

Vilaska Nguyen

ECONOMY

Raise business taxes as a primary response to SF’s current recession - SUPPORTS

Audit all of the City’s departments to reduce the budget - SUPPORTS

HOUSING

Upzone around transit and commercial corridors to increase density in SF - ABSTAINS

Offer tenants full or partial forgiveness for missed rent during COVID-19 - SUPPORTS

HOMELESSNESS/MENTAL HEALTH

Build a Navigation Center in each district - SUPPORTS

Expand the use of SF’s current conservatorship program - ABSTAINS

TRANSPORTATION

Enact congestion pricing in SF - SUPPORTS

Make some “Slow Streets” in SF permanent - SUPPORTS

TECH

Build an SF-government operated public internet system - SUPPORTS

Expand micro-mobility options as a transit solution (e.g. e-bikes/scooters) - ABSTAINS

What’s your favorite App? - Spotify

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

There were a lot of educational equity issues pre-COVID that have been exacerbated by shelter-in-place and online learning. We need to invest in schools, make education a top priority, and support our educators and paraeducators as they lead on the best ways to educate our students during COVID.

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

Yes. If we’re successful in defunding SFPD, I would be interested in seeing those funds reallocated towards services that address our housing crisis, homelessness crisis, and the systemic racism in our broken systems. As Supervisor, I would support measures reallocating funds towards our Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

Revenue will be the most important issue for the next few years. The Mayor’s Office and her allies are already falling into the trap of austerity thinking, forcing communities to fight over a small slice of the pie. That’s completely wrong. We need to grow the pie during these crises.

Kenneth E. Piper

Kenneth E. Piper

ECONOMY

Raise business taxes as a primary response to SF’s current recession - OPPOSES

Audit all of the City’s departments to reduce the budget - SUPPORTS

HOUSING

Upzone around transit and commercial corridors to increase density in SF - SUPPORTS

Offer tenants full or partial forgiveness for missed rent during COVID-19 - SUPPORTS

HOMELESSNESS/MENTAL HEALTH

Build a Navigation Center in each district - OPPOSES

Expand the use of SF’s current conservatorship program - ABSTAINS

TRANSPORTATION

Enact congestion pricing in SF - SUPPORTS

Make some “Slow Streets” in SF permanent - SUPPORTS

TECH

Build an SF-government operated public internet system - ABSTAINS

Expand micro-mobility options as a transit solution (e.g. e-bikes/scooters) - SUPPORTS

What’s your favorite App? - News Aggregators

What major steps would you take or support to address the digital divide in San Francisco?

Internet for all. However, this is creating the correct playing field for private companies - not for the government to create an internet service.

Do you support the reallocation of SFPD funds? If so, what city programs/departments would you like to see the funds reallocated to?

I agree with chief Scott – that a portion of the SFPD budget can be allocated to other services. Reallocating the $s can help, but it needs to be tracked and accountability needs to be in place. I want to see the impact before deciding if it should continue.

To address the City’s budget deficit, what is more important: generating more revenue or cutting costs? Why?

Cutting costs. I've been in multiple debates where other candidates have stated "Revenue, revenue, revenue" as if tax dollars will fall from the sky. Well, far from it. In 10 years our SF city employees have grown by over 30% and our budget has grown nearly 135%. All while our population has only inched along. CUT COSTS.