San Francisco District 11 Democratic Club Questionnaire for Candidates – 2016 Candidates
1. Name: Zoe Dunning
2. Address: 300 Montgomery St. #789, San Francisco, CA 94104
3. Telephone/Cell phone: 4152357180
4. Email address: [email protected]
5. What office are you running for? I am running for reelection to the San Francisco Democratic Central Committee in Assembly District 17.
6. What is your political affiliation? How long? I’ve been a Democrat for 30 years and am committed to advancing the values of the Democratic Party in San Francisco.
7. Please list your campaign manager and contact info? Shwetika Baijal, 50+1 Strategies [email protected], 9252076632
8. What is the major source of your campaign funding? Friends and family. My 2012 fundraising it was 96% individuals and mostly friends and family.
9. What office are you running for? Why?
I am running for reelection to the San Francisco Democratic Central Committee in Assembly District 17.
As a proud Democrat, I am steadfast in my commitment to be an advocate for social change. I resonate deeply with our party’s core values, and want to continue to play a leadership role in embedding those values throughout our city, our state and our nation.
One of our values is equality and standing up and speaking out against injustice. I demonstrated my commitment to this when I challenged the military’s policies prohibiting gays from serving, by publicly coming out as a lesbian naval officer and taking a leadership role in working to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell . In 2010, I was recognized for this and given the honor of standing next to President Obama when he signed the repeal of DADT. In 2011, I was awarded Woman of the Year in Senate District 8 for my commitment to the LGBT, women’s, and veterans’ communities.
This is just one example of my dedication to dismantling systemic obstacles faced by marginalized populations. I am devoted to continually addressing social, political, and economic inequalities in San Francisco. Social Justice is near and dear to my heart, as evidenced by my work on the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. No one is free until we are all free. If I am reelected, I pledge to continue my work as an advocate for the people of our city and as a leader in building a more just society.
10.What are your qualifications for this office?
As a lifelong activist for social justice, I have worked for breaking down barriers impacting underserved communities, such as the LGBTQ community. I served for 22 years in the Navy and Navy Reserves and was also a leader of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which set the groundwork for opening up military service for LGBT service members. As CoChair of Alice, I worked closely with candidates and electeds to help communicate the wishes and desires of the LGBT community and advance important policy priorities for San Francisco. I currently serve or have recently served in a number of party leadership positions: ● 1st Vice Chair of the SF DCCC, unanimously elected by my peers ● Chair, SF DCCC Finance Committee, helping to raise the money necessary for a strong local party ● CoVice Chair, CA Democratic Party’s LGBT Caucus ● Member, CA Democratic Party’s Finance Committee ● Immediate Past CoChair, Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club ● Former 2nd Vice Chair, CA Democratic Party’s Veterans Caucus In addition to these roles in the Democratic Party, I am honored to serve on the San Francisco Library Commission.
11.Identify the three most important issues for the position you seek? What are the solutions you see for these specific issue areas or how will you work to tackle them?
Affordable housing, transportation, and social justice are the most important issues facing the city. I am limited as a DCCC member in tackling these issues, but we can certainly pass resolutions stating the party’s position on proposed legislation or ballot initiatives, and endorse candidates with strong plans to address these issues.
12.District 11 has more children, more ethnic diversity and more homeowners than any other district in San Francisco. These are just a few of the unique features of this district. If elected, describe the priorities of your office for District 11.
I have supported legislation, ballot initiatives, and resolutions calling for the availability/building of more affordable housing in San Francisco. It’s hard to raise a family here and continue to afford to live here. I support programs that enable homeowners to stay in their homes. I have a proven track record of social justice and would apply that to issues impacting the ethnically diverse population of D11.
13.What is your position on the following Measures and local issues, please mark your preference clearly and add short comments:
Measure AA: San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority “Clean and Healthy Bay” Parcel Tax
Support or Oppose Support
Position on the need for economic growth in D11: Support or Oppose Support
Position on the proposed Medical Cannabis Dispensaries in District 11: Support or Oppose Support
Positions on letting SFPD have Tasers:
Support or Oppose Support, with training and a way to prevent confusion with real gun.
Rezoning Mission Street to allow more businesses: Support or Oppose Don’t know enough to take a position.
Position on Affordable Housing Density Bonus: Support or Oppose Support