Welcome to “Meet the Candidates.” In the run-up to the November election, Mission Local asks questions of superintendent hopefuls. In District 7, which includes Inner Sunset, Parkmerced and West Portal, Matt Boschette and Steven Martin Pinto are running against incumbent Myrna Melgar.
From now until the November election, Mission Local will ask each candidate one question a week, and candidates will respond in 100 words. See all answers from District 7 candidates here.
What is the business climate in District 7 and how do you plan to support businesses (both large and small)? See their individual responses below.
Do you have any questions for candidates? Let us know at kelly@missionlocal.com. Or come by for coffee. Next week I’ll be going to Spressa (51 Cambon Dr.) on Tuesday, May 21st at 11am.
Myrna Melgar
- District 7 Supervisor
- Year: 56
- housing: landlord
- transportation: bicycle
- language: Spanish, French, Swedish
- education: Bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College. MSUP, Columbia University
- residence: I have lived in Sunnyside, District 7 since 2014 and before that from 1983 to 1988.
D7 is home to several neighborhood commercial districts and the highly successful Stonestown Mall. Although we are still recovering from the pandemic, our commercial districts are thriving and vacancy rates are low. I have supported the recovery of neighborhood businesses in the following ways: Ambassador programs in West Portal, Irving, and Ocean. Authored legislation for a graffiti eradication program. Worked on codifying rules regarding shared spaces. Obtain funding for businesses affected by the West Portal and Irving fires, secure funding to help the Ocean Avenue Association succeed, work with lakeside neighbors to support recovery efforts, and secure funding for businesses affected by the West Portal and Irving fires. provided.
Matthew Bochet
- small business owner
- Year:35
- housing: Landlord
- education: in Philosophy from St. Mary’s College, California
- residence: Living in Ward 7 since 2014
Small businesses are the heart and soul of San Francisco’s Westside. As the owner of Matilda’s Bloombox for over 8 years, we know how difficult it is to succeed here. An open storefront doesn’t just mean success. Many business owners are struggling to make ends meet in a city that is increasingly hostile to small businesses. A lack of public safety, cumbersome planning processes, and excessive taxes leave many struggling. Even worse, people are starting their business elsewhere. We must ensure that our city’s actions protect small businesses and protect San Francisco’s rich and diverse tapestry.
stephen martin pinto
- Firefighter/Major, US Marine Corps Reserve
- Year:46 housing: SF Tenants, Lemon Grove, CA Property Owners and Landlords.
- language: Spanish, Russian, Georgian
- education: University of California, Davis
- residence: I have lived in Sunnyside, District 7 since 2014 and before that from 1983 to 1998.
Business conditions vary by location. Stonestown appears to be thriving despite safety concerns. At Parkmerced Mall, a van recently crashed through a laundromat and stole an ATM machine. West Portal has become the latest battleground in a culture war between activists and local businesses, many of which have been around for generations. Ocean Avenue has managed to hold on despite encroachments at places like Lucho’s. Inner Sunset bounces back pretty well. Every business district has slightly different concerns, but security, street cleanliness, and accessibility are top priorities for everyone. … Read more We will cooperate with you.
