Noe Valley Voice November 2000
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The Six Candidates for Supervisor Answer Our Pop Quiz

On Nov. 7, 2000, for the first time in 20 years, residents of Noe Valley will cast their vote for a single representative on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The person who wins that day (or in a runoff Dec. 12) will help shape policy on everything from dot-com development to Doggie Diner heads. Surprisingly, in District 8 -- which includes not only Noe Valley, but the Castro, Duboce Triangle, Dolores Heights, Twin Peaks, the Fairmount, Diamond Heights, and Glen Park-- the race has garnered only six candidates. However, the six who threw their hat in the ring are an impressive group, and have strong activist credentials.

To help voters make a choice, the Noe Valley Voice asked the candidates to respond to a series of questions, about Noe Valley and citywide issues and some personal topics as well. We also surveyed the candidates on the hot propositions. Their answers appear below. We hope you will find this information useful when you go to the polls. And maybe someday you will be inspired to run for office yourself.

THE CANDIDATES (in alphabetical order)

Scott Bingham

Twenty-fourth Street, San Francisco, California

415-786-3131

Email/web site: www.8vote.com

Occupation: CEO, PicklePilot.com

Rent or own your home? Rent.

How long have you lived in San Francisco? 11 years

How long in District 8? 6 years

If you had to wear a political label, what would it be? Fed Up

James Green

Cesar Chavez Street, San Francisco, California

415-282-0927

Email/web site: www.jgreendistrict8.com

Occupation: Paramedic Firefighter, San Francisco Fire Department; Emergency Department Nurse, San Mateo County General Hospital

Rent or own your home? I rent an apartment in a building my father and I built.

How long have you lived in San Francisco? I was born in San Francisco.

How long in District 8? I have lived in Noe Valley since 1970.

If you had to wear a political label, what would it be? I am a democrat.

Eileen Hansen

Castro Street, San Francisco, California

415-701-7465

Email/web site: contact@eileenhansensf8.com; wwweileenhansensf8.com

Occupation: Until recently, I was Public Policy Director, AIDS Legal Referral Panel.

Rent or own your home? Rent.

How long have you lived in San Francisco? 15 years

How long in District 8? 12 years

If you had to wear a political label, what would it be? Progressive

Mark Leno

Clipper Street, San Francisco, California

415-821-2285

Email/web site: wwwleno2000.org

Occupation: San Francisco County Supervisor and small business owner

Rent or own your home? Own.

How long have you lived in San Francisco? 23 years

How long in District 8? 19 years

If you had to wear a political label, what would it be? Progressive Democrat

Shawn O'Hearn

Noe Street, San Francisco, California

415-252-7624

Email/web site: sfpolitic@hotmail.com; www.ohearn4supervisor.com

Occupation: Management Assistant, HIV/STD Education, City College of San Francisco

Rent or own your home? Rent.

How long have you lived in San Francisco? 6 years

How long in District 8? 6 years

If you had to wear a political label, what would it be? Independent, of Brown/Ammiano machines. Fiscally conservative. Politically progressive.

Gary Virginia

Hancock Street, San Francisco, California

415-626-5004

Email/web site: VoteVirginia@aol.com

Occupation: Civil Rights/AIDS Advocate

Rent or own your home? Rent.

How long have you lived in San Francisco? 13 years

How long in District 8? 13 years

If you had to wear a political label, what would it be? Progressive Democrat leaning toward Green Party

A PERSONAL QUESTION:

In 25 words or less, write a "personals" ad, including your age, sexual orientation, marital status, hobbies, or any other personal details you wish to share.

Bingham: I'm 31, single, straight, and arrogant to the point of being humble. I'm CEO of a porn site, which some women like, and some do not.

Green: SWM, sensitive listener, likes challenges, opinionated yet open to intelligent, objective, well-thought-out arguments, desperately seeks frustrated, reform-minded voters in District 8.

Hansen: A city for you, not for sale. 49-year-old lesbian with 18-year partner has leadership experience and 30 years of commitment to community service. Seeks votes.

Leno: "Best Birthday Suit on Board of Supes" (per Bay Guardian, August 2000) GWM, 49, single, seeks other serious philatelists only.

O'Hearn: Single gay man who believes that integrity, honesty, independence, hard work, and leadership mean we can solve any problem together. Great courage, tenacity, and sense of humor.

Virginia: Ambitious 40-year-old male, who enjoys helping others and San Francisco's dining, arts, and cultural scene. Enjoys seniors, animal lover, Midwest values, and happily attached!

NOE VALLEY ISSUES (50 words unless otherwise noted):

The most pressing need in Noe Valley -- and across the city -- these days is affordable housing. Real estate prices have skyrocketed, squeezing out low- and middle-income residents, many of whom are artists, teachers, waitresses, and shop clerks. What would you do to keep San Francisco from becoming a city of the very rich ... and very poor?

Bingham: Enable the residents to vote on weekly legislation before the board. * Make it easy for residents to propose legislation for introduction. Keep the residents informed about what is happening to them at the board.

Green: Having affordable housing comes down to supply and demand. Right now we have tremendous demand. We need to build taller, higher-density apartment housing to increase supply. The least controversial areas will be along the major transit corridors. Draconian propositions to limit growth will only make the problem worse.

Hansen: We must maintain and build affordable housing. We need to bring together renters, homeowners, and small property owners, along with small business owners, to plan land use policy. Runaway development has contributed to the problems mentioned above. We must pass Proposition L and enforce existing planning codes and policies.

Leno: I have already authored affordable housing legislation which will increase our residential development in areas of the city where greater density can be accommodated. The legislation will ease building restrictions downtown and along transit corridors with 12% mandated affordable housing.

O'Hearn: I'd work with tenants groups and developers to build thousands of Single Residency Occupancy units (SROs) that could be built at moderate cost/moderate profit and provide housing for low/medium-income individuals. These SROs in combination with legislation that limits illegal Ellis Act/Owner Move-In evictions would greatly improve the situation.

Virginia: We must address affordable housing locally and regionally. I support home ownership for renters, building low-income housing, amnesty for in-law units, small property owner protections, subsidized senior/disabled housing, nonprofits/arts districts, stopping unjust evictions, a density incentive program, Private Activity Bond cap increase, community-assisted loans, low-income housing tax credits (for starters!).

Many longtime residents say that Noe Valley is being invaded by "monster homes," oversize buildings that threaten to destroy the small-town flavor of the neighborhood. They also say these big projects are routinely approved by the Planning Department without regard to the Residential Design Guidelines. What would you do, if anything, to rein in the "monsters"?

Bingham: Enable the residents to vote on and propose legislation.

Green: If someone owns a house or lot, I think they should be able to build their dream home. That is how neighborhoods evolve, renew themselves, and speak to particular moments in time. There are limits, however, and I want to see the Residential Design Guidelines permanently incorporated into the planning code.

Hansen: Supervisor Leno's "monster home" legislation is not strong enough and is a response very late in coming. I would introduce comprehensive, citywide legislation that would adhere to each neighborhood's character. I would work with the full board to demand that the Planning Commission strictly follow the Residential Design Guidelines.

Leno: I authored legislation that would greatly restrict the development of "monster homes" in Noe Valley. My legislation will add new height limits and rear-yard restrictions that will keep out-of-scale projects from being built in our neighborhoods.

O'Hearn: I'd immediately author legislation to mandate the Planning Department return to being a regulatory agency instead of an advocating agency for those it was created to regulate. I'd legislate that neighborhood concerns must take priority over well-financed developers' influence. I'd enforce the Residential Design Guidelines, and make sure Mr. Green was fired.

Virginia: The mayor's Planning Commission, Planning Department, and appointed members of the Board of Supervisors have not represented us. Legislation restricting size/shape of buildings can be easily circumvented by high-paid lawyers and lobbyists. We must change the balance of power on the board and the appointment process for the Planning commissioners.

A size limit for new stores has been called for in the Castro District to discourage chain stores from proliferating there. How would a similar cap on the size of stores on 24th Street help or hurt Noe Valley?

Bingham: I don't voice my own opinions. The residents know how they are helped or hurt.

Green: I'm not inherently opposed to chain stores. I would like to see a system where chain stores pay into a fund that could be used in the local shopping district to make loans to small businesses.

Hansen: Again, Supervisor Leno's legislation is too narrow and is limited in scope. While I believe a cap would help Noe Valley, we must assess each neighborhood's needs and develop appropriate legislation that meets specific needs. A cap is only one potential solution; we must also support and maintain small businesses.

Leno: My legislation to deter chain stores from taking over commercial spaces in the Castro would prove effective for Noe Valley as well, but there needs to be a consensus among merchants in the neighborhood that they support this legislation. I am working to reach such a consensus now.

O'Hearn: This very much depends on what the residents of Noe Valley want in their neighborhood. Each neighborhood is unique and has different needs. Pottery Barn went before MANY neighborhood groups and took much feedback to alleviate the concerns of neighbors/residents. The people who live there must be part of the process.

Virginia: Large stores attract people with cars regionally and require parking. A District 8 Community Plan would alert potential developers and businesses of the type and size of businesses we want and need. This would avoid costly time, money, and energy for all parties involved, in the disputes we are witnessing.

Parking -- and double-parking -- on 24th Street has reached the saturation point. The Noe Valley Merchants Association wants the city to allow diagonal parking on Castro Street and to find a site for a parking garage. Do you support these efforts? What would you do to alleviate the parking crunch in Noe Valley?

Bingham: I don't voice my own opinions.

Green: I believe we should have diagonal parking on Castro Street, and I definitely believe that the City should try to secure the parcel of land that used to be Dan's Service Station for a parking area.

Hansen: I support the concept of diagonal parking in various neighborhoods, including Castro Street. I also support studying the possibility of a parking garage for Noe Valley businesses, including the potential site at Dan's Auto. Additionally, improved public transportation must be a priority so people have easier access to neighborhood businesses.

Leno: Again, my legislation will create additional parking by allowing diagonal parking along Castro Street in areas where neighbors have also supported it. I only support changes such as these when there is support from both neighbors and merchants.

O'Hearn: These short-term solutions are fine, but discussions must take place regarding serious penalties for double-parkers. School parking lots must be utilized as residential evening and weekend permit parking. City College needs to move classes elsewhere. Due to noise/air pollution, giant delivery trucks should be restricted from driving in Noe Valley -- especially at 5 a.m.

Virginia: Yes, I support local initiatives such as diagonal parking and will support a parking facility if the community supports it. I support single-dispatch taxi service, bike lanes and lockers, more efficient Muni and extended service, neighborhood car-sharing, trial pedicabs, BART at 30th/Mission, seamless transit hubs, and neighborhood shuttles.

To ease traffic congestion, some local activists have proposed that Muni add new, smaller shuttlebus routes within Noe Valley. How would you improve public transit in the neighborhood? How often do you ride public transit?

Bingham: I would improve public transit by enabling the residents to vote on and propose legislation. I ride public transit daily.

Green: Muni routes revolve around downtown, yet only 20% of the riders go there. I want to see District 8 undergo a review process to see whether the current routes really serve the needs of the district. Personally I ride Muni when I go downtown.

Hansen: I own a Fast Pass and ride Muni regularly, including the 24-Divisadero. I support the concept of adding small shuttlebuses, as I believe it would diminish congestion. I would also consider dividing the route used by the 48-Quintara into two separate routes, thus increasing service along 24th Street.

Leno: We need to improve the frequency of the 33-line and substantially improve the J-Church. I would also like to see the 35-line connect Noe Valley to Glen Park Station. I ride Muni three to four times a week and received a majority of supporting votes from Rescue Muni.

O'Hearn: I agree with smaller shuttles -- anything that takes cars off the streets. I ride the N, M, J, and K lines, but the 40-minute wait for buses north/south is a waste of time. I'd advocate more parking fees if I felt the money would be spent to deliver a better product, but with 100+ Muni drivers making $100,000+ I'm not sure where the money would go.

Virginia: I live in the Castro and often walk and use Muni. When I worked at San Francisco State University, I took the M train daily. Later I worked at Lahaina Gallery near Ghirardelli Square and commuted for four years (two transfers), then drove once required to as director. (Solutions above.)

The dog population in Noe Valley is growing by leaps and bounds. This has caused friction at neighborhood parks and playgrounds. A few people have even suggested banning dogs in certain parks. What is your feeling about this?

Bingham: I don't voice my own opinions.

Green: I believe that pet owners have a responsibility to pick up after their pets to avoid the issues of sanitation and possible disease. I also believe that it is perfectly appropriate to have enclosed set-asides where, within a fenced area, dogs can be run off-leash.

Hansen: I support multi-use of our parks. I support creative solutions for multi-use that have been proposed by off-leash dog organizations. Unfortunately, Park and Recreation has chosen to ignore such input. I will initiate a meeting with all affected parties to resolve this problem.

Leno: With our current shortage of open space, we need to reach compromise solutions where off-leash and on-leash advocates can have shared access to our parks. In the future, I would like to identify property that could be purchased for off-leash use to alleviate some of these tensions.

O'Hearn: I believe strongly that people with or without dogs can use the same area. I understand the concerns about urine and feces, and possible dog attacks, but feel that if parents/individuals have such strong concerns, then they should be advocating for a fenced-off space for themselves and their children.

Virginia: Each community should determine the usage of their neighborhood parks. District 8 has a high ratio of dog owners. Needs of off-leash space must be balanced with other demands on limited recreational facilities. We must ensure safety and healthy conditions for children and all users.

The Mission YMCA is exploring the idea of building a new facility on the grounds of James Lick Middle School in Noe Valley. The new Y would offer indoor swimming, basketball, and exercise classes. However, many residents fear an increase in cars and congestion, similar to that created by City College this fall. How do you view this proposed addition?

Bingham: I don't voice my own opinions.

Green: I support the idea of the YMCA creating a facility here so long as (1) the children of James Lick School have access to the facility, (2) a large underground parking facility is created to provide both facility and neighborhood parking, and (3) there is community meeting space.

Hansen: The suggested amenities could be a great benefit to Noe Valley residents, especially children and youth. However, the projected increase in cars and congestion is terribly problematic. Much more study of this proposal must be conducted, with numerous community meetings held, before any decision goes forward.

Leno: I am concerned about the idea. Noe Valley is already struggling with parking shortages and growing density, and a new project like this could be detrimental to the quality of life in the neighborhood. I'm not certain that James Lick Middle School is the best location for such facilities.

O'Hearn: I support it because there are not enough places for youth to engage in healthy athletic activities. In order to minimize the increase in cars/congestion, perhaps the Mission YMCA could limit hours of operation of the facility or even charge $10 an hour to use the lot and discourage personal transportation.

Virginia: While the community must balance the need for additional recreational facilities and local parking, the YMCA should be geared to the local neighborhood, not the whole region. I'd investigate a shuttle to get users and staff to main transit hubs faster to discourage cars, and provide bicycle security to encourage cyclists.

CITYWIDE ISSUES (50 words unless otherwise noted):

What would be your number-one priority if you were elected supervisor?

Bingham: To get the District 8 voters web site up and running, and to distribute user names and passwords.

Green: I don't support Props K, L, H, or N because they work to reduce residential and commercial supply at a time of tremendous demand. The result is escalating home prices and high rents. We need to increase supply so the city can grow economically and people will have places to live.

Hansen: Addressing the issue of housing and affordability in San Francisco.

Leno: Ensuring passage of my affordable housing and monster home legislation.

O'Hearn: The very first thing I would do is to legislate a charter amendment that prevented the mayor from having the power to appoint supervisors. The voters deserve representation from someone they elect. The city voter deserves a check and balance on the power/decisions of the mayor.

Virginia: Establish a District 8 Community Council to examine planning, neighborhood, and quality-of-life issues within District 8, so as to ensure community input and an independent voice on the Board of Supervisors. Creating a District 8 Community Plan, building affordable housing, and a Homelessness Summit are high priorities.

Some voters worry that district elections will turn San Francisco into a city of warring fiefdoms. How do you plan to balance the needs of Noe Valley, the Castro, and Glen Park with the needs of the city as a whole?

Bingham: Enable the residents to vote on and propose legislation.

Green: A district supervisor by definition must serve the needs of his or her constituents. However, I believe that he or she can act in the best interests of the city as well. If this grand experiment doesn't work, we can always vote to go back to the old system.

Hansen: I would establish a District 8 office and regular district meetings to address the needs of our residents. However, all districts share similar issues such as transit, land use, and the protection of small businesses. I would work with all supervisors to craft citywide policies with the full participation of neighborhoods.

Leno: My record has creatively addressed citywide issues like affordable housing while also addressing neighborhood issues like monster homes and chain stores in our NCDs. I will continue to balance both needs.

O'Hearn: There is already a war going on between those who want to live and work here and those who just want to be greedy at the expense of the city and its residents. If people vote for those candidates with a proven track record of distance from the mayor and mayoral cronies, then this city has a chance to be the magical place it's always been.

Virginia: I'd have an open-door policy at City Hall, regular town hall meetings at various times throughout the district, and a designated office liaison to address immediate concerns. My expertise in strategic planning, fiscal conservatism, and coalition building is sorely needed on the board to tackle issues from a regional perspective.

What is San Francisco's worst environmental problem? How do you propose to fix it?

Bingham: I don't voice my own opinions. The residents know how they are helped or hurt. I'd enable the residents to vote on and propose legislation.

Green: I guess the city's worst environmental problem is Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, but I do not know enough about the whole issue to intelligently comment on it.

Hansen: We are suffering from runaway development that has ignored the planning code, which includes transit impact mitigation and open space. I would establish coordinated planning processes for transportation and land use and connection of land use planning at the Planning Department with environmental planning at the Department of the Environment.

Leno: I have focused on mercury and dioxin pollution of our bay and believe our car-share program will ease our air pollution from car exhaust. Because of my environmental advocacy, I have earned the endorsement of the Sierra Club, San Francisco Tomorrow, and the League of Conservation Voters.

O'Hearn: Naval Shipyards at Bayview­Hunters Point. This has been the unspoken toxic waste dump of the city for years. The Navy must come in and clean up the mess they left. No excuses. Feinstein and Boxer need to do their job to get the Navy to do theirs. This is an embarrassment to the city and a serious environmental danger to residents.

Virginia: Aside from the Naval Shipyards toxic dump, air pollution. Traffic congestion and industrial pollutants reduce our quality of life. Stronger federal, state, and local legislation and enforcement must occur. I support high-speed light rail and ferries to discourage car and air use, as well as neighborhood and public tree planting.

The incidence of HIV infection is on the rise again. How would you use your power as city supervisor to fight AIDS?

Bingham: I'd enable the residents to vote on and propose legislation.

Green: I support the Health Department. On a political level I will encourage them and do my best to aid them in their efforts to educate the various at-risk communities about the continuing risks of HIV infection.

Hansen: I have worked for the past 14 years as an AIDS policy advocate. I will use those skills to lobby at the state and federal levels for increased funding and attention to the epidemic. I will also focus locally on AIDS prevention and the maintenance of our public health system.

Leno: This past month, I worked with Congresswoman Pelosi's and Senator Feinstein's offices to secure S.F.'s share of Ryan White care funding. Additionally, I worked with the Department of Public Health to readdress our HIV-prevention message to better communicate with a new generation of at-risk men and women.

O'Hearn: I served two years on the city's HIV Prevention Planning Council and believe that the Health Department has a credibility problem. Their recent numbers of HIV infection are inaccurate. The rates are actually level in San Francisco. The HIV/AIDS fight is about prevention and education, and more resources should be focused in that direction.

Virginia: People living with HIV/AIDS are underrepresented in city government. As a PWA, I would be a passionate advocate for HIV prevention and AIDS services. I support a citywide campaign to promote HIV testing and safe sex practices, and mobile units for outreach, confidential testing, and counseling targeting at-risk populations.

Do you have a plan to deal with San Francisco's homeless population? What about evictions of seniors and the ill or disabled?

Bingham: I'd enable the residents to vote on and propose legislation. The homeless who live in the district would also be able to vote on and propose legislation.

Green: For low- and fixed-income singles and families I will work to preserve existing housing. However, many of the street people we see are plagued not by a lack of housing, but by alcoholism, drug addiction, and mental illness. They need detox treatment facilities and expanded mental health programs.

Hansen: In order to establish effective and compassionate services, homelessness must be addressed in a way that includes neighbors, service providers, and homeless individuals. We must create permanent solutions that don't simply focus on warehousing the homeless in shelters. I support current limits on evicting seniors, the ill, and the disabled.

Leno: We need to find programs that will prevent San Franciscans from becoming homeless such as mental health and substance abuse and rental protection efforts. I also support transitional housing programs with neighborhood participation that provide services which help homeless folks regain their independence.

O'Hearn: I'd first work to undo all the legislation that criminalizes the poor and homeless. In a city with a $4.5 billion budget we can surely keep the pharmacy at S.F. General open for our neediest individuals. I'd work to overturn the Ellis Act and legislate severe financial penalties for those who abuse the Owner-Move-In eviction laws.

Virginia: One hundred sixty-nine homeless deaths in 1999 is a disgrace for a city flush with a $4.4 billion budget. I'd immediately host a Summit on Homelessness to create a Five-Year Strategic Plan with a budget, verifiable goals, objectives. I support any legislation to subsidize and protect rents for seniors and the disabled.

Do you think there should be limits on dot-com development in the Mission and other neighborhoods in San Francisco?

Bingham: I don't voice my own opinions. The residents know how they are helped or hurt.

Green: To the extent that the dot-coms have caused dislocations in the various neighborhoods, there are ways to constructively moderate their impact. They could pay higher mitigation fees to cover affordable housing, enhanced transit, child care, and neighborhood job training programs that help people and raise their standard of living.

Hansen: YES.

Leno: Yes, neighborhood protection is one of the main reasons why I am supporting Proposition L this November. We can accommodate reasonable, well-managed growth while ensuring the stability of our neighborhoods.

O'Hearn: Yes. Wholeheartedly. Prop. L was put on the ballot by the voters because the current board didn't have the guts to deal with the issue. Willie knows it's great legislation, so he put his own on (Prop. K) to confuse the voters and has done everything from filing a lawsuit to firing a planning commissioner to get his way.

Virginia: Yes. I support the citizens' petition drive to pass Proposition L on the ballot. I feel we should encourage the new economy and high-tech industry, but we should embrace smart-growth principles and ensure that infrastructure exists to support it without displacement and gentrification.

Right now we have a budget surplus. But what will happen if the economy takes a nose-dive? Where would you trim fat in the city budget?

Bingham: I don't voice my own opinions. The residents know how they are helped or hurt. I'd enable the residents to vote on and propose legislation.

Green: (1) Hold $100 million in reserve against a repeat of the 1990 to 1994 budget deficits, (2) use the interest paid for discretionary programs, and (3) with whatever is left over from the surplus, pay down our outstanding bond obligations.

Hansen: Rather than paying for 500 special assistants to the mayor, I would follow the People's Budget recommendations that promote fiscally responsible long-range planning. For example, one dollar spent on substance abuse prevention saves seven dollars in later costs for social services, crisis intervention, and criminal justice programs.

Leno: I have supported efforts to require city departments to present to the board a business and customer service plan which would substantiate its level of funding and departmental goals. In any organization, there is always the potential for greater efficiency in delivery of services.

O'Hearn: First I'd early-retire the 100+, $100,000-a-year Muni drivers. Then I'd determine how many "managers" and "consultants" and City Hall "staff" could be cut to save the taxpayer. Next I'd ask the departments to cut their budgets by 20% and then look to how to generate funds to make up for the economic downturn.

Virginia: Why wait? * Tighten management to limit overtime pay. * Audit the city budget comparing direct service to administration. * Reduce mayor's special assistants. * Ask each department to submit a 5% and 10% budget reduction priority list for board review with public hearings.

Do you have the endorsement of either Mayor Willie Brown or Supervisor Tom Ammiano? On what issues do you part company with Brown? With Ammiano? What issues do you think everyone should agree on? (100 words)

Bingham: Thank God, no [endorsements from either]. I don't voice my own opinions. [Re issues:] The residents know how they are helped or hurt. [Issues everyone should agree on:] Democracy for and by the people. Representing ourselves is better than being represented at the supervisorial level of government.

Green: Neither Mayor Brown nor Supervisor Ammiano even know I exist, but I am sure I could work with either one of them and still keep my feet on the floor and my head screwed on straight.

Hansen: I have been endorsed by Supervisor Ammiano, as well as by former board presidents Angela Alioto and Harry Britt. However, I am well-known as an independent thinker who will part company with any and all of my endorsers when appropriate. I am running to challenge politics-as-usual and the direction the city has gone under the leadership of Mayor Brown and his hand-picked team of supervisors, which includes my key opponent, Mark Leno, who has consistently voted with the mayor and board majority. I especially oppose the mayor's development focus; I am supporting different candidates than Ammiano.

Leno: Willie Brown has endorsed my re-election. However, I am one of the only independent voices on the Board of Supervisors. I vote with the majority when I believe it is right, and I vote with the minority when I believe it is right. Over these past two years, I've disagreed with the mayor on many issues including safety at Sutro Tower, animal testing at UCSF, the Bryant Square Project, and live-work developments. Currently we disagree on Propositions L and K, the two campaign finance reform measures J and O, and Proposition R regarding the development of Pier 45.

O'Hearn: I wouldn't take Willie Brown's endorsement even if he hadn't already given it to his hand-picked incumbent Mark Leno. Ammiano supports Eileen Hansen. As someone who got elected to the Democratic County Central Committee with 11,000 votes and without spending a cent, I value my independence from the Brown machine and the "reform" machine. I don't want or need someone to tell me I'm their guy/gal (grin). I know it and so do the voters. Any issue that deals with the problems of everyday, hardworking people -- I'm there. Every issue that deals with greed and profit and destroying this city -- I'm there against it!

Virginia: Unlike candidate Mark Leno, I do not support Mayor Brown nor his "loyalist" conditions of service. I worked with Tom Ammiano as a volunteer/fundraiser for his mayoral race. On most issues I agree with Tom, but feel I have a more balanced view on issues (such as home ownership opportunities for renters) and work harder to seek win-win solutions. Once elected, I will meet with each supervisor to work as a team to address our respective district's concerns and city issues. I expect our District 8 Community Council to be a prototype other districts will emulate once they witness its success.

BALLOT MEASURES:

How will you vote on these propositions on the Nov. 7 ballot? (Please answer yes or no.)

Prop. A: Library Bonds. Authorizes the city to purchase $106 million in bonds for the renovation and construction of branch libraries.

Bingham's response to all propositions: I don't voice my own opinions. I'd enable the residents of District 8 to vote on and propose legislation.

Green Prop A: yes Hansen Prop A: no position Leno Prop A: yes O'Hearn Prop A: yes Virginia Prop A: yes

Prop. D: Children's Fund. Extends to 2016 and increases the annual set-aside of property tax revenues for the Children's Fund.

Green Prop D: yes Hansen Prop D: yes Leno Prop D: yes O'Hearn Prop D: yes Virginia Prop D: yes

Prop. F: Saturday Closure of JFK Drive I. Closes John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park to automobile traffic on Saturdays. (It's now closed on Sundays only.)

Green Prop F: no Hansen Prop F: yes Leno Prop F: yes O'Hearn Prop F: yes Virginia Prop F: yes

Prop. G: Saturday Closure of JFK Drive II. Closes John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park to automobile traffic on Saturdays, but not until the Music Concourse parking facility has opened.

Green Prop G: yes Hansen Prop G: no Leno Prop G: no O'Hearn Prop G: no Virginia Prop G: no

Prop. H: Pass-Through of Costs to Residential Tenants. Amends the city's Rent Control Ordinance to limit the types of expenses a landlord may pass on to his/her tenants via a rent increase.

Green Prop H: no Hansen Prop H yes Leno Prop H: yes O'Hearn Prop H: yes Virginia Prop H: yes

Prop. K: Office Development Controls -- mayor's slow-growth measure. Preserves the 950,000 sq. ft. annual limit on office development and treats "computer-based services" (dot-coms) as offices. Allows the mayor to appoint a development czar who would serve for 10 years.

Green Prop K: no Hansen Prop K: no Leno Prop K: no O'Hearn Prop K: no Virginia Prop K: no

Prop. L: Office Development Controls, measure known as "Daughter of Proposition M." Preserves the 950,000 sq. ft. cap on office development and treats dot-coms as offices. Bans certain office development in the Mission, Bayview­Hunters Point, and South of Market.

Green Prop L: no Hansen Prop L: yes Leno Prop L: yes O'Hearn Prop L: no Virginia Prop L: yes

Prop. M: Taxicab Permits. Authorizes issuance of certain taxicab permits, and sets a full-time operating requirement for permit holders at 800 hours per year.

Green Prop M: no Hansen Prop M: no Leno Prop M: yes O'Hearn Prop M: no Virginia Prop M: no

Prop. N: Limits on Tenancies-In-Common (TICs). Places TICs -- joint ownership of formerly rental housing -- under the city's condominium conversion law. Also makes permanent the annual 200-unit cap on condo conversions.

Green Prop N: no Hansen Prop N: yes Leno Prop N: no O'Hearn Prop N: yes Virginia Prop N: no

Prop. O: Campaign Financing. Authorizes the city to provide public financing for candidates to the Board of Supervisors, restricts contributions to independent committees, and limits the amount of money a person or group may give to all city candidates and political committees.

Green Prop O: no Hansen Prop O: yes Leno Prop O: yes O'Hearn Prop O: yes Virginia Prop O: yes

Prop. P: Hunters Point Shipyard Cleanup. Makes it city policy to support a full cleanup by the Navy of Hunters Point Shipyard.

Green Prop P: yes Hansen Prop P: yes Leno Prop P: yes O'Hearn Prop P: yes Virginia Prop P: yes

Prop. Q: Pedestrian Safety Fund. Establishes a Pedestrian Safety Fund to design and fund ways to make city streets safer for pedestrians.

Green Prop Q: yes Hansen Prop Q: yes Leno Prop Q: yes O'Hearn Prop Q: yes Virginia Prop Q: yes

Prop. R: Pier 45 Development. Makes it city policy to use Pier 45 as the site for a "public educational facility focusing on the San Francisco Bay and operated by an independent nonprofit organization."

Green Prop R: no Hansen Prop R: yes Leno Prop R: yes O'Hearn Prop R: yes Virginia Prop R: yes

FOR GOOD MEASURE (20 words or less):

Who will get your vote for president of the United States in November?

Bingham: Ralph Nader

Green: I will vote for Gore.

Hansen: To stop Bush, I'll likely support Gore.

Leno: Al Gore, Al Gore. I was a Gore delegate to the Democratic Convention in Los Angeles.

O'Hearn: Al Gore

Virginia: Gore, to ensure Bush loses, but I respect Nader and relate to his shutout by the two machines.

Do you own an SUV?

Bingham: No

Green: I own a 1975 Ford Pinto; I wish I could afford an SUV!

Hansen: NO. I own a 1985 Honda.

Leno: No.

O'Hearn: Hell no.

Virginia: No.

Where is it appropriate (or not) to use a cell phone?

Bingham: In bed.

Green: As of now, I don't have the sense that we need to ban them outright from cars or other places.

Hansen: Cell phones should not be used, for example, during public meetings or cultural events or while driving.

Leno: Cell phones should be used to make efficient use of time, but safety and courtesy must always be primary considerations.

O'Hearn: Not appropriate in theaters, restaurants, cars.

Virginia: Only in spaces where they do not invade the privacy of other people.

Name a recent book or movie you'd recommend. Do you have a favorite restaurant in Noe Valley?

Bingham: Movie: Erin Brockovich. Restaurant: The Courtyard Cafe (oops!).

Green: The General's Daughter was a great book, but the movie fell flat. As far as restaurants, I don't have a social life, but I do like going to Martha's for a croissant and hot chocolate.

Hansen: Book: Miriam's Song by Mark Mathabane. Movie: Paragraph 175. Restaurant: Firefly is one of my favorites in Noe Valley.

Leno: Book: What Is Marriage For? by E.J. Graff, a brilliant social history of marriage. It was my bible during the No on Knight campaign. Restaurants: Diamond Corner Cafe and PastaGina.

O'Hearn: Book: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. Movies on rental: Cider House Rules or Any Given Sunday (and I don't even like football).

Virginia: Movie: My family's home video of a July 4th picnic in Pittsburgh, Pa. Restaurant: The hardest question! Hahn's Hibachi for value and consistency.

What question did we forget to ask?

Bingham: "Why do you feel Muni speeds down 24th Street when they don't have a schedule to keep?"

Green: I think you forgot to ask what the candidates propose to do for the district. Please go to my web site and check out my proposals.

Hansen: No, these were very interesting and thoughtful questions.

Leno: "Do you support Supervisor Leno's current legislation addressing issues in questions 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this questionnaire?"

O'Hearn: "What is your feeling about homeless youth shelters in residential neighborhoods, and what would you propose if against it?" (Which I am)

Virginia: [No answer.]

This voter guide was created by Noe Valley Voice staffers Heidi Anderson, Karol Barske, Sally Smith, and Karen Topakian. We would like to thank the supervisor candidates for their thoughtful replies to our questionnaire. We also welcome your response. Please write the Noe Valley Voice, 1021 Sanchez St., San Francisco, CA 94114. Or send email to salsvoice@aol.com.