Is what we asked at the Thrive Alliance Candidate Forum on January 30th. Candidates Celeste Brevard, Paul Bocanegra, Antonio Lopez, Maggie Cornejo, and Lisa Gauthier joined us at the Menlo Park City Council Chambers for a discussion night. Paola, an organizer with HLC, represented us and the Anti-Displacement Coalition by asking: What policies would you prioritize to prevent evictions and forestall the displacement of lower-income families from San Mateo County? 

Here are their responses:

Candidate Celeste Brevard affirmed her commitment to supporting ballot initiatives akin to the Fair Housing Ordinance that Faith in Action is spearheading in Redwood City. She said she would support initiatives that limit rent increases and expand tenants’ right to return. Additionally, she emphasized her intent to collaborate closely with existing organizations, learn more about the most significant issues, and cultivate policy solutions to remedy the problems. Brevard also said that protecting landlords and the economy can be done in tandem with protecting families who rent.

Candidate Paul Bocanegra followed, expressing his strong support for a comprehensive County-wide rental registry that comes with a task force that oversees rental developments– primarily overseeing the habitability of living conditions, especially for the immigrant community. Bocanegra highlighted the tragic 2023 Half Moon Bay shooting and sympathized with those forced to endure such conditions. He underscored his stance that landlords neglecting their responsibility to uphold acceptable living standards will face legal consequences. He adds that he will advocate for more protections for youth and seniors.

Candidate Antonio Lopez starts by discussing the injustice faced by commuters coming to work in San Mateo County but living miles away. This issue is a transportation issue and an environmental issue. He says housing is the civil rights issue of our time and talks about solutions that work, like the BAHFA Bond and Project Homekey, but ultimately, housing across income levels needs to be built throughout the county. Every city needs to do its part to house San Mateo County’s growing population.

Candidate Maggie Cornejo opened up by sharing her experience of advocating for her entire building living with a pest infestation because her neighbors refused to speak up due to fear of eviction. If elected, she wants to set aside some investments to partner with legal aid to help fight cases where tenants are too afraid to voice their concerns. She also wants the Tenant Protections Ordinance to pass. That way, the community’s most vulnerable members do not have to live in fear of speaking up or being evicted. 

Candidate Lisa Gauthier talked about how East Palo Alto has been the poster city for creating rent stabilization and tenant protections that help the most vulnerable residents. She feels that there needs to be ordinances from the Board of Supervisors that allow for more expansive rental assistance and rent stabilization. She said Costa Hawkins must also be addressed so that rent-stabilized units do not go up to market rate once vacated. Gauthier also expressed support for creating jobs that allow people to stay here. She highlighted that these types of programs are most needed to protect tenants, specifically rent control and stabilization.

To watch the Candidate Forum and find out what the Candidates had to say about other pressing issues, click here.