San Jose High School Academy (graduate)
Improving the quality of life in San Francisco is important to the city's residents. Many would like someone to solve the social and economic problems of San Francisco.
The mayoral race is an important topic because a key person in helping the city improve is the mayor. The candidates for San Francisco's mayoral race are Roberta Achtenberg, former assistant secretary at HUD (Housing and Urban Development); Angela Alioto, of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors; State Assemblyman Willie Brown and incumbent Frank Jordan. Because it's still early in the race, the candidates have not had much opportunity to voice their views. The public wants to know the candidates' positions on controversial issues and their solutions to the city's problems such as homelessness, crime and economic development. John Sweeney, a San Francisco State University broadcasting student, would like to know what the candidates propose to do with the homeless plight and people losing their jobs. Some have suggested gathering all the candidates together and having them state their positions.
"They should come out and answer the question," said Judy Hopper, purchasing employee at SF State. "But they shouldn't be allowed to use the adult cop-out of attacking each other."
Other people are waiting to find out the candidates' views and plans before they decide whom to support. But some voters already have an idea which candidate would better support their interest.
Nontisizi Cayou, an artist and the director of WAJUMBA (an African Arts group), said Brown seemed to be her preference. "Willie loves jazz and he has a great appreciation for the arts," she said.
Pervis Rayford, an SF State alumnus and youth counselor, said, "Hopefully, Willie Brown because he really supports the Negro community."
Thinking along the same lines, SF State graphic design student Ariel Pilare, 23, said that Willie Brown as mayor would be a good thing. "Ethnic communities can relate to a mayor who's a minority. We'd have someone on our side for a change."
Others think the election has nothing to do with race or ethnicity.
"It's who can handle the city's problems the best," said Barbara Berglung, graduate student in American history.
Adrienne Fuzec, an artist, also said she'd like people to transcend racial barriers and support the candidate who would be best for the city.
The arts community is waiting to see which candidate it will support.
"We like Roberta (Achtenberg) but we haven't committed yet," said Mike Dingle, member of the Arts Democratic Club.
Pam Peniston, artist and president of the Bay Area Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Cultural Center said, "I personally for now support Roberta. Her commitment for the arts has been very strong. But we'll wait to see what her official word will be."