District 7 Supervisor Candidate Forum

The decisions made by our Board of Supervisors impact our daily lives. In November, D7 residents will be casting their votes for their representative on the Board of Supervisors. Two of the supervisor candidates, Matt Boschetto and Stephen Martin-Pinto accepted our invitation to speak to the members of D7 neighborhood groups

This candidate forum was hosted by Sensible D7, Greater West Portal Neighborhood Assn., GWPNA, GGHNA, and SHARP.

You can watch the full video HERE

RECAP: During a rich discussion with the two D7 supervisorial challengers, SensibleD7 and an engaged audience of neighbors (and packed Miraloma Clubhouse!) learned that there is more that unites Matt Boschetto and Stephen Martin-Pinto than divides them.  Both have very deep ties to San Francisco and D7 and are incredibly proud of their family’s immigrant heritage in the City. Boschetto’s family has been in Miraloma for 100 years and noted that running for supervisor is not a career move for him but an opportunity to stand up and do what is right for San Francisco.  Martin-Pinto highlighted his unique perspective as a fourth-generation San Franciscan and firefighter, and promised honesty and integrity in his politics. 

Candidates shared their visions for the future of San Francisco, including practical solutions to the City’s and district’s challenges: 

• Work to address the city's $800 million budget deficit by implementing performance audits for grants and contractors to ensure funds are being used efficiently and as intended. Focus audits on large grants for health, housing, and homelessness nonprofits. (Boschetto) 

• Reform problematic city commissions like the Police Commission that have too much power over frontline workers and departments. Support the November ballot proposition to limit the number and power of unelected commissions. (Martin-Pinto) 

• Prioritize pedestrian safety and improve Muni infrastructure, ridership experience, and bicycle safety when making transportation changes and investments. Also, aim to reduce traffic congestion. (Boschetto) 

• Lean on the owners and property managers of Park Merced to address issues like high vacancy rates, crime, and squatters impacting residents. Explore options to help evict squatters and improve safety. (Martin-Pinto) 

In closing, Boschetto acknowledged the negative impact of city policies on San Francisco's residents, including the drug crisis and public safety issues. He hopes to bring common sense and real-world experience to City Hall. Martin-Pinto believes his unique experience as a firefighter, Marine Corps veteran, and community leader makes him a valuable candidate for office.

And finally, the candidates’ favorite “guilty pleasure” in D7:  Bullshead Restaurant https://www.bullsheadsf.com/ (Martin-Pinto) and Unwine’d https://unwined-sf.com/ (Boschetto)