On the Issues
I am running for mayor because a great city demands leadership, smart ideas and attention to basics.
I know that together we can make this city a better place to live, work, and do business. We have to.
In my 5 years running the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services and 8 years on the Board of Supervisors, my responsibility was always to make City Hall do something. To make it as responsive, efficient and effective as a great city demands. It was my duty to make life better for the people who live and work here. I’ve worked with three mayors and I know what does and does not work.
Some look at the City today and see a patchwork of problems and political divisions. But look at it from another angle. The solutions – like the problems – are related. Fixing the big picture means taking care of the basics.
We need great jobs to allow people to live and work here — jobs for people of all skills and backgrounds.
That requires a public school system that provides a quality education so we can keep families in San Francisco – and attract and retain start-up industries.
That means making MUNI efficient and reliable. And it means taking on the basics, like fixing potholes and better streets.
What it means is building communities. Putting the right people together. Collaborating, innovating and working harder. That’s what I’ve done all my life.
We are fortunate to live in a city blessed with an environment unmatched anywhere. Now it is up to us to do our part. Working together we can achieve the promise of San Francisco. I know what it takes and together we can make San Francisco a better place.
Please take a moment to explore my position on the issues facing San Francisco and learn about my plans to fix the big picture by taking care of the basics. If the answer to your question isn’t on the website, feel free to contact my campaign and someone will get back to you soon.
- BEVAN
A Black Agenda for San Francisco
As Mayor, I have an agenda to do something unprecedented — rebuild the Black middle class for a major American City.
With daily and focused attention from our next Mayor, there can be a Black Renaissance.
At every forum and candidate interview I have spoken about my Black Agenda for San Francisco.
Addressing Homelessness
I strongly supported Care Not Cash and Mayor Newsom's Housing First approach that dramatically expanded supportive housing. But the public can see there is work left to do. There are individuals on our streets who either refuse service, are too debilitated by multiple conditions or are falling through the cracks. This has eroded public faith that our City can effectively address homelessness.
America’s Best Childcare and Public Education
San Francisco faces a critical challenge: over 7000 children have left our public schools. Over 5000 have left the City altogether. Uneven schools and uncertainty about school assignments are driving families away.
Building Community
As Mayor, I will foster a dynamic and responsive City government that will make people proud of their City. As Director of Neighborhood Services for five years and Supervisor for eight years, I worked in close partnership with neighborhood groups, and saw that any problem can be addressed when you bring together concerned neighbors, merchants, community organizations and city departments. From creating parks that reflect neighborhood needs, to decreasing the transmission of HIV, to implementing sensible reforms to the condo lottery process — I have the vision and track record to solve the problems on your street, and improve the quality of life for all San Franciscans.
Bevan’s Plan:
- Decrease transmission rates of HIV by 50%
- Marshal consensus for dedicated funding for parks
- Change political dynamic to increase access to affordable housing
Growing Jobs and Our Economy
One of the Mayor’s most important responsibilities is leading our economy. I am focused on creating jobs and rebuilding our City’s middle class. As Supervisor, I worked with many local entrepreneurs — from restaurateurs to biotech startups — who were spending too much time jumping through bureaucratic hurdles. As Mayor, I will leverage my years of experience with City processes to make it easier and more attractive for businesses to start and succeed in San Francisco.
HIV/AIDS
We must address of HIV and AIDS in context of a comprehensive, coordinated health agenda.
I successfully championed funding for vital services and provided support for initiatives such as the Castro Youth Housing Initiative, Needle Exchange, the AIDS Housing Plan, Magnet and the Crystal Meth Task Force. My work has emphasized that HIV/AIDS must be addressed in a comprehensive manner, combining both a vigorous prevention strategy, access to substance abuse treatment, housing, mental health services and treatment.
Muni Matters to a Sustainable San Francisco
Muni Matters
I ride Muni every day. I know the joy when it comes on time – and I can find a seat. I know the frustration of an overcrowded car or when the trains are running late – especially on Mondays.
San Francisco leading the way in Civil Rights
I believe that the three defining issues for our Country this decade are:
- LGBT equality;
- Immigration; and
- The public employee fights demonstrated in Wisconsin.
As the Mayor of San Francisco — and as a Gay man — I will be on the front lines.
