District 1 Supervisor Candidate: Leanna Dawydiak

My name is Leanna Dawydiak and I am running to be your supervisor. I have lived in the Richmond most of my life. I grew up here and I'm raising my children here. My parents and extended family continue to live here. I love our neighborhood!

I am running to replace the current supervisor of the Richmond, District One, because he hasn't made life better. 

I remember when children could be safe because our parents knew we stayed in the neighborhood for fun and "hanging out." We were at the bowling alley, the ice skating rink, one of the playgrounds, the local ice cream store or one of the movie theaters.

The bowling alley is gone, along with the ice skating rink, the playgrounds need repairs and the movie theaters in the Richmond are going the way of the bowling alley and ice skating rink. Can the ice cream stores be far behind? The Alexandria Theater is no more. If our public officials had taken this view toward the Giants, they'd be playing in Florida now. We must save what we still have, bring back what we can and encourage a new vitality.

We are still in a great place to live and raise our families, but we can make things better. We have gridlock, speeding and pedestrian safety issues. Parking is non-existent, neighborhood schools are no more and our public safety services are threatened.

I will stand up for District 1: We need clean and safe streets, less traffic congestion and better transit. We want access to neighborhood schools and quality neighborhood services and activities. We must support neighborhood centers for our youth and do better for our senior citizens. I want to see our playgrounds repaired and our parks protected so our children can play safely in their own neighborhoods.

I will work to preserve the unique character of the Richmond and protect existing businesses, particularly small businesses. The City as a whole also needs to encourage more business investment overall, without neglecting the need for more environmental protection.  We still need more affordable housing for renters and programs to make buying homes in San Francisco easier and more affordable.

If I am elected, I will demand that the City be run more efficiently and provide better services, including critical public safety services. We need a specific plan for long-term capital projects and our public health system needs to serve us more effectively. 

There are only three women on the Board of Supervisors and one may be leaving soon; this affects the tone of the debate. I can, and will, forcefully advocate for important issues involving women's health, children's needs and equal opportunity. The board needs to be reminded that the issues that are important to women affect everyone. 

I will use my experience as a parent, progressive police officer, lawyer, activist and former legislative aide to advocate for our district's needs. We need an advocate for the Richmond District. We need real representation for the Richmond and we need it now. I would sincerely appreciate your vote on Election Day, Nov. 2, and I will work tirelessly for you and our community.