In a significant shift from previous practices, Mayor Daniel Lurie is overhauling the selection process for the District 4 supervisor position following the resignation of Beya Alcaraz on November 13, 2023. Lurie is implementing a more rigorous vetting procedure that includes community engagement and a unique “homework” assignment for shortlisted candidates.
The mayor has released a shortlist of candidates that includes Natalie Gee, chief of staff to Supervisor Shamann Walton; Alan Wong, a trustee at the San Francisco Community College; Albert Chow, a hardware store owner; Ike Kwon, former chief operating officer at the California Academy of Sciences; and Tiffany Deng, a member of the city’s Asian Art Commission.
As part of their selection process, candidates were tasked with engaging with community members throughout the district. They are required to compile a list of contacts and submit it to Lurie’s office by Sunday at 20:00. Following this, they will undergo an additional interview with the mayor’s staff. The shortlisted candidates have already attended a meeting with local merchants at Hole in the Wall Pizza and engaged with constituents, demonstrating their commitment to community outreach.
This new approach comes in response to Alcaraz’s abrupt resignation, which followed a critical report by the San Francisco Standard regarding her business practices. Following the publication of this report, Lurie met with Alcaraz and requested her resignation, which she accepted. At a recent community meeting, Lurie acknowledged, “I made a mistake… I did not do enough to set up my appointment for success. And so for that, I apologize.”
Candidates are now undergoing a more extensive vetting process that includes a five-page questionnaire covering various topics, from social media use to policy positions. Lurie explained his rationale behind this initiative, stating, “I went to my team and I said, ‘When a governor appoints a senator, and when a president of the United States appoints a commerce secretary or treasury secretary, what’s the questionnaire look like?’”
All shortlisted candidates have completed the new questionnaire and have had at least one interview with Lurie and his team, which includes Adam Thongsavat, the mayor’s liaison to the Board of Supervisors, and Staci Slaughter, the mayor’s chief of staff. This thorough vetting process aims to ensure that the appointed candidate aligns with both community needs and the administration’s goals.
Among the candidates, Albert Chow has previously been considered for the role but was not selected. He has since completed a more detailed survey and participated in several interviews. His views on local issues, including opposition to Proposition K, which restricted vehicle access on the Great Highway, have made him a notable figure in the community.
Alan Wong, another candidate, has also been through the selection process before but faced more scrutiny this time. Wong, who is a graduate of Hoover Middle School and Lincoln High School, previously served as a legislative aide to former District 4 Supervisor Gordon Mar. He has remained active in his community and is a member of the National Guard.
Ike Kwon, who has recently returned to San Francisco after time in Chicago, is also vying for the position. Kwon expressed his desire to engage with District 4 residents through various community activities, including hosting house parties and visiting local libraries. He has voiced his opposition to Proposition K while supporting the mayor’s upzoning plan for taller buildings in the area.
Tiffany Deng, a previous participant in the Miss Chinatown USA pageant and an appointee to the Asian Art Commission by Mayor London Breed, is another strong contender in this selection process.
Natalie Gee, who was previously not interviewed during Lurie’s first appointment cycle, is now a finalist after being recommended by Supervisor Walton. Her political views are more progressive, which could influence her approach if appointed. She has expressed concerns over the rushed nature of Proposition K and has hinted at a willingness to collaborate with the mayor on potential amendments to the upzoning plan.
As the appointment process unfolds, several other supervisors have offered names to the mayor, although they have not publicly disclosed those nominations. During a Board of Supervisors meeting on November 18, 2023, Lurie acknowledged the feedback from fellow supervisors and assured them that he would select a candidate who would be a collaborative partner.
Lurie aims to finalize the appointment within the next week, although Thanksgiving may pose a scheduling challenge. He noted, “We don’t want to rush, but we want to go quickly.” This revised approach to selecting a District 4 supervisor reflects Lurie’s commitment to transparency and community engagement in local governance.
