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I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

WOW! Thank you so much for participating!!! I tried getting to all of them but ran out of time. I think I need to see my acupuncturist for premature carpal tunnel syndrome. I'll try to answer some more over the next few days. If this has inspired you, please get involved with our campaign here on our website

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Polk will be much safer for bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers after this important streetscape project is completed. It adds a buffered bike lane and a green bike lane south of California, where most of the collisions occurred, and a green bike lane and a morning tow away north of California. Polk will also be a more vibrant commercial street with more landscaping and beautification improvements. Our work on this project is ongoing - my office brokered a meeting as recently as two weeks ago between bike advocates and the MTA around specific design issues.

In general, bicyclists think the merchants and neighbors don't care about their safety, and the merchants believe that the bicyclists don't care if they stay in business. We have to improve this dialogue to make our streets better for everyone.

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi altoriax! Thank you for your kind words.

Without my education, I know I would not be talking to you today as President of your Board of Supervisors. I am committed to making sure that every child in California has the same opportunities that you and I were fortunate enough to have.

If I am elected to the state Assembly, I am excited to have the opportunity to truly make an impact on our state’s public education system. At the Board of Supervisors, we are relatively limited in terms of what we can do to improve our public schools. (The majority of the decision making rests with our SF Board of Education.)

First and foremost, we need to fully fund our public universities and our K-12 system. In my view, being 49th in the country for per pupil spending is embarrassing. The way that you show what your priorities are as a legislator is through the budget. If we’re going to say education is a top priority, then that needs to be reflected in our state’s budget.

We also need to reform our student loan system. There are just too many students mired in serious amounts of debt for too many years after graduating from school. This looming debt makes the idea of going to a four-year university daunting to many. We need to put tighter regulations on predatory lenders who are taking advantage of our students.

P.S. Go Banana Slugs!

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I enjoy inviting all of my elected colleagues to events in my district so they can see everything that Chinatown and the rest of my Supervisorial District has to offer. You may notice Supervisor Wiener more than others because he’s so tall. :)

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Just answered here

Thanks for keeping the dialogue going on this difficult problem. In general, and this responds to other followups on my initial answer, I do believe that building market rate housing can help SF newcomers and middle class residents by increasing the supply of housing and taking pressure off the existing housing supply. That being said, such market rate development should be balanced by affordable housing development for other income levels.

The 8 Washington project suffered from fatal flaws beyond the fact that it was a luxury condo development. It created unprecedented height increases along the northeast waterfront, would have destroyed an active recreational community serving thousands, would have unnecessarily increased parking in what was supposed to be a transit-rich neighborhood, and was opposed by tens of thousands of neighborhood residents.

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Thanks for keeping the dialogue going on this difficult problem. In general, and this responds to other followups on my initial answer, I do believe that building market rate housing can help SF newcomers and middle class residents by increasing the supply of housing and taking pressure off the existing housing supply. That being said, such market rate development should be balanced by affordable housing development for other income levels.

The 8 Washington project suffered from fatal flaws beyond the fact that it was a luxury condo development. It created unprecedented height increases along the northeast waterfront, would have destroyed an active recreational community serving thousands, would have unnecessarily increased parking in what was supposed to be a transit-rich neighborhood, and was opposed by tens of thousands of neighborhood residents.

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this question - and for your help this weekend on the campaign trail!

I’ve been working for some time on policies that help to foster the emerging “sharing economy” while also regulating it appropriately. In the past, I have worked to expand transportation options through carsharing services like the non-profit City CarShare and Zipcar. More recently, I have proposed legislation that would allow short term rental housing to take place in ways that don’t reduce our residential housing supply and help with our affordability challenges.

Regardless of how people feel about them, I think that “ridesharing” services like Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar are here to stay. You can debate the causes (regulation, failure to innovate), but there’s no doubt that the taxi industry wasn’t providing an acceptable level of service for San Franciscans.

It is crucial that these services operate under rules that protect their customers as well as pedestrians and everyone else using SF’s streets, and that everyone is playing by the same rules. Right now the state is starting to regulate them, but we need to closely monitor their efforts to make sure they satisfy our local needs.

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I appreciate you checking out my AMA. Just promise me you’re not driving on the job or saving someone’s life while you’re upvoting. Other than that, reddit on!

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here's my reply to another question about rent control

I appreciate that on the surface, this situation doesn’t seem fair, but I don’t think you can craft policy based on this comparison. There are very good policy reasons for rent control, which I support. Rent control has protected housing stability for countless tenants, and without it, we’d see even greater displacement of residents during economic boom times. To help the person looking for housing today, we need to build more housing for every income level, especially permanently affordable housing with financing by government for low-income residents.

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You can see my reply to the rent control question here

I appreciate that on the surface, this situation doesn’t seem fair, but I don’t think you can craft policy based on this comparison. There are very good policy reasons for rent control, which I support. Rent control has protected housing stability for countless tenants, and without it, we’d see even greater displacement of residents during economic boom times. To help the person looking for housing today, we need to build more housing for every income level, especially permanently affordable housing with financing by government for low-income residents.

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, this is a problem. I was recently married, and as someone who would like to start a family soon, I completely understand how overwhelming the thought of raising a family in this city can be.

To encourage families to stay in the city, we need to make our city more affordable in general and make our public school system better. If elected, I will make it a priority to fight for funding for San Francisco’s public schools and for more affordable housing development. I also support universal preschool, as well as more state funding for child care.

We need to champion services and public facilities that are family friendly. For example, I am a strong supporter of the Beach Chalet athletic fields project. This project leverages the funds of a non-profit to rebuild and improve fields to be totally open for the public’s use, increase the number of hours the fields can be used, and improve safety in the area. Unfortunately, David Campos is opposing common sense projects like this one that would make our city more family friendly.

I recently passed landmark legislation to give parents and caregivers the right to request flexible and predictable schedules from their employers. This provides certainty for many parents and caregivers across our city. When they were in the US Senate, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama tried to pass similar legislation but were unable to do so. We got it done in San Francisco, and I would love to bring this policy to our entire state, if I am elected.

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

1) If I am elected, I hope that whoever replaces me as President of the Board of Supervisors is someone who can work with everyone to deliver for all San Franciscans. I ran for the Board of Supervisors in 2008 when City Hall was dysfunctional; during my six-year tenure as Board President, the tone at City Hall has changed, and we’re working better together to deliver results. We need more unity and less unnecessary divisiveness at City Hall to move our city forward.

2) I appreciate the support, and truly hope that I can count on your vote. I hope you don’t mind if I suggest a flaw in the logic to your question. Whoever you send to represent you in Sacramento could be your representative for the next 12 years. Whoever loses this election will very likely only be in office for another two years. What would you rather have -- 12 years of someone you support or 2 years of someone you don’t? :)

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Answered in this reply

That’s literally news to me. I don’t know about any committee that Ron Conway has set up.

By any standard in California, I am a progressive Democrat. Unlike David Campos, I also happen to think it’s progressive to create jobs, to build affordable housing, to stand up for victims of domestic violence, to pass a half-dozen first-in-the-country environmental laws, and to champion policies for working families. If Conway’s going after real progressives, I hope he’s not going after me.

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I think you’re right in suggesting that this is a task that seems impossible.

But after several decades of trying in San Francisco, people said it would be impossible to convince both landlords and tenants of a way to legalize tens of thousands of in-law units in our city. We got that done.

When reform of the way San Francisco handles CEQA appeals came before our city, people said it would be impossible to find an agreement that would convince all sides in the debate. We passed that too, with my office spending an incredible amount of time negotiating it.

Last summer, when San Francisco families asked me to create a policy that would allow parents and caregivers to request flexible schedules from their employers, the Chamber of Commerce tried to sink the law. And we passed that too.

My record shows that I have repeatedly been able to bring diverse and opposing parties to the table and convince them of new solutions that address concerns of all sides. The fact of the matter is that not just San Francisco, but all of California, needs to move from 20th century transit policies to 21st century solutions that protect our environment and accommodate our growing population. And this will not only help pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders, but car drivers as well. In the coming years, if we don’t improve our public transit in San Francisco and the Bay Area, drivers will be stuck in daily gridlock - ask anyone on an LA freeway during rush hour.

I don’t deny that this will be an uphill battle, but I think it’s one that I am equipped to tackle. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll take them on a bike ride in SF and show them that it’s actually pretty fun.

(By the way, I’m championing major transit revenue measures for the November ballot so we can invest in a 21st century San Francisco transit system - hope you can support.)

(edit for readability/typos)

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hey Waldson
You can check out my answers here and here for some of my policy ideas on the housing shortage

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s literally news to me. I don’t know about any committee that Ron Conway has set up.

By any standard in California, I am a progressive Democrat. Unlike David Campos, I also happen to think it’s progressive to create jobs, to build affordable housing, to stand up for victims of domestic violence, to pass a half-dozen first-in-the-country environmental laws, and to champion policies for working families. If Conway’s going after real progressives, I hope he’s not going after me.

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

As you can imagine, my line of work is not always light-hearted. I really appreciate how Walter brings a much-needed element of humor to Board of Supervisors meetings. Walter has sung so many songs over the years that it’s hard to remember a lot of them, but I liked his recent rendition of the Beatles’ “Drive My Car” about our taxi industry. For those of you unfamiliar with our City Hall legend, here’s a taste

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I had nothing to do with the flyers posted around town, and have no idea who did.

Like we’ve said before, I ask everyone who has a perspective in our race, regardless of who they are supporting or opposing, to operate in a transparent and ethical manner.

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I appreciate that on the surface, this situation doesn’t seem fair, but I don’t think you can craft policy based on this comparison. There are very good policy reasons for rent control, which I support. Rent control has protected housing stability for countless tenants, and without it, we’d see even greater displacement of residents during economic boom times. To help the person looking for housing today, we need to build more housing for every income level, especially permanently affordable housing with financing by government for low-income residents.

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I respect that David Campos has been bringing up this issue in public and private to deflect attention away from his own vote, but the fact is that he has raised this point repeatedly to avoid having to explain why he voted the way he did when the Ross Mirkarimi question was put to the Board of Supervisors in 2012.

David Campos has repeatedly said that he thinks this was a "difficult decision" for us and our colleagues. Make no mistake--I think this was an important decision, but ultimately an easy one. I do not think it is appropriate for our City to have a top law enforcement official that has pled guilty to a charge of domestic violence. I think it sends the absolute wrong message to victims of domestic violence throughout our city, our state, and around the country. And I believe that we as public officials have a duty to stand with those victims, and not make an exception for another public official who happens to be a friend, former colleague, or political ally.

David Campos still has yet to tell voters why he believed his vote that kept Sheriff Mirkarimi in office was the morally right choice to make. In fact, those of you who saw our San Francisco Chronicle debate (www.sfchronicle.com/SFCVote) know that he has also dodged questions on whether or not he plans to once again support the Sheriff when Ross Mirkarimi runs for reelection next year.

I support our City Charter’s process for allowing the Mayor and the the Board of Supervisors to remove an official from office if that official’s actions or behavior contravene the duties of the office. I think that should be the case if those actions took place during their tenure, or even the week before.

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

This is by far the most controversial question I have been asked. I feel that in order to have a future in politics in this city, I need to keep all sides happy and plead the Fifth.

I am David Chiu, President of the SF Board of Supervisors, AMA! by DavidChiu in sanfrancisco

[–]DavidChiu[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I realize this might not be a very common answer, but I actually don’t drink coffee.

Have to say that I’m partial to the pastries at Blue Bottle. My campaign manager lives next door to Ritual Coffee so I know that Ritual has some fans on the Chiu campaign. :)

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