Candidate for
Mayor; City of San Francisco

Jeff's parents' unjust internment during World War II instilled in him the principles of fairness and justice, which remain the driving forces behind his passion to defend the less fortunate and to demand outcomes based on facts, not preconceptions, prejudices, or popularity. His parents taught him to be a man of action, and to never back down when fighting for what you believe is right.

Jeff went to City College in Sacramento before transferring to UC Berkeley, graduating in 1981. Jeff went on to obtain his law degree from UC Hastings in San Francisco. Jeff has been the elected Public Defender of San Francisco since 2002. He has implemented performance measures, launched community outreach initiatives and made the office more accountable to the City and to the office's clients. He has a demonstrated record of independence and effectiveness as an elected Chief Executive. Jeff has won the City's top public managerial excellence award and the American Bar Association's national award for the best public law office. He has created rehabilitation, community, and youth programs to help our city's disadvantaged populations.

In 1992, Jeff started the Survival Series Publishing Company, publishing five law books now widely used by students to prepare for the bar exam. Jeff's business gave him insight into specific ways that a mayor can support and provide the tools necessary for business owners to thrive. As mayor, Jeff would implement micro-loans for small businesses and replace the current payroll tax, which discourages hiring new workers.

Jeff has focused on not only spending funds more efficiently, but also in procuring additional funding for the city. He has refused to accept any public financing for his campaign, and has pushed for policies and changes, such as pension reform, that would save the city millions of dollars. His plan saves $1.7 billion dollars, which can be invested in education and services.

Jeff has also been a strong supporter of the arts. His two films, "The Slanted Screen" and "The Jack Soo Story", explore the questions of ethnic diversity, race relations and the importance of cultural traditions.

Jeff has consistently fought for our communities and small businesses by taking on tough issues and pushing for effective, and sometimes controversial, change. An independent and effective leader, as Mayor, Jeff will focus on creating more jobs, fiscal reform and affordable housing. He will also restore after school programs and summer school. Jeff lives in San Francisco with his wife and daughter.