Mayoral Forum Coming

by John O’Riordan

John O’Reordan

The tragic passing of SF Mayor Ed Lee in December shocked San Francisco and has

resulted in a special election to replace him.

During Lee’s tenure, San Francisco underwent significant change, including a

remarkable housing boom. At the same time, he was the main driver behind an

increase of the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Lee had a special affinity with the west side, capturing huge support in his two mayoral

elections. Now, the race to replace him has begun. There will be a special forum held at

the United Irish Cultural Center, located at 2700 45th Ave., on Feb. 28.

For members of the public who would like to attend the debate, please send an RSVP to

forum4mayor@outlook.com. Attendance is free.

While there are several people who have filed to run, there are four top-tier candidates:

• Angela Alioto is a native of San Francisco and is the daughter of former SF Mayor

Joseph Alioto. She was first elected to the SF Board of Supervisors in 1988 representing

District 2, which includes the Cow Hollow, Marina and Pacific Heights neighborhoods.

She served as board president from January 1993 to January 1995;

• London Breed became acting mayor upon the death of Lee. She won her first election to

the SF Board of Supervisors in November, 2012 representing District 5, which includes

the Western Addition, Hayes Valley, Haight-Ashbury, Cole Valley and

Inner Sunset neighborhoods;

• Jane Kim was elected to the SF Board of Supervisors in 2010 representing District 6,

which includes the South of Market, Mission Bay, Tenderloin, Civic Center, Treasure

Island and Yerba Buena Island neighborhoods;

• Mark Leno is the owner of Budget Signs, Inc. From 2002-2008, he served in the

California Assembly and from 2008-2016 he was in the California Senate. He also served

on the SF Board of Supervisors, representing District 8, which includes the Castro,

Glen Park and Noe Valley neighborhoods.

Please join us on Feb. 28.

John O’Riordan is the northern chair for the Irish Caucus California Democratic Party.