Jane Kim, Green Party candidate for San Francisco School Board

An AsiansVote.com interview

Jane Kim, the youth program director of the Chinatown Community Development Center, co-director of Locus Arts, and president of the San Francisco People's Organization, recently nabbed the "San Francisco Bay Guardian" and the "Sing Tao Daily" endorsements in her run for the San Francisco School Board. Kim took some time to answer some questions from AsiansVote about why this race matters, what the Green Party means to her, and which politicians -- and musicians -- inspire her.

AsiansVote: In five sentences or less, please tell us about yourself and why you're the best person for the job.

Jane Kim: I am the candidate with the most direct experience with youth. As the Youth Education Director at Chinatown Community Development Center, I educate students attending 11 different San Francisco public high schools. I have developed nationally recognized after-school programs that have served hundreds of youth. During this time, I have developed relationships with countless families, schools, social service organizations and community groups. My experience as a youth service provider allows me to understand the challenges and priorities facing our students today.

AV: In five sentences or less, please tell us about what the San Francisco School Board does and the difference you hope to make as a member.

JK: I am running because I strongly feel we need a Board that is representative of the communities that attend SFUSD – primarily immigrant, low-income, communities of color. I do not feel that the current Board is reflective of these communities and, consequently, are not accountable to them. I work in these communities and I come from an immigrant, community of color background. As a board member, I would be able to bring the voice of these communities to the table and assure that their issues are addressed. I relate to the students and understand their needs; the current board is missing the representation of the student voice, which I think is essential.

AV: Why should Asian American progressives from other parts of the country care about local races like yours -- and what can they do to help?

JK: Asian American progressives should care because so many critical policy decisions are made at the local level, and we need to have elected officials who understand and reflect the voice of the community. We need to support progressive leaders who can effectively advocate for responsible decisions in issues such as resource allocation, curriculum reform, support services, and community involvement. Asian American progressives can help by educating themselves on their local issues, volunteering for and donating to candidates they support, and of course – voting!

AV: You ran a hard-fought but unsuccessful campaign for the school board in 2004. What made you decide to run again this year?

JK: It is a time of transition for the San Francisco Unified School District including a search for a new Superintendent, developing a new student assignment plan, continued school closures and budget cuts, and new bonds money. In these moments of transition, there are many opportunities to make a positive impact for our students and families in San Francisco.

AV: You're a Green Party member -- tell us a bit about what that means to you.

JK: I am part of a growing number of young people that are joining the Green Party or declaring “Decline to State” but identify Democrat on the national and state level. Really, it’s the only hope that many of us have to push a liberal agenda nationally in this country. We vote Green on a local level (and not even consistently) and we vote Democrat on national or statewide elections on the same exact ballot.

Prior to running for office, I never gave a second thought about my party registration. I didn’t care about party politics. I supported whichever candidate I felt would best support the interests of my community. Sometimes they were Green, sometimes they were Democrat and sometimes they were Independent. Most of the time, it was no one.

I decided to register Green in 2004 because suddenly my party affiliation mattered when I became a candidate. I joined the Green Party because I have the luxury of living in San Francisco where you can join a viable, alternative party that firmly stands for progressive values. I could honestly say that every candidate in my party denounces the death penalty, the war in Iraq and supports gay marriage. I couldn’t say that as a Democrat. In another city or state, I might still be a Democrat.

AV: What special challenges and opportunities do you face as an Asian American running for office in the Bay Area?

JK: Asian Americans make up over 30% of the San Francisco resident population, however, it is not voting at the percentages that it could to be an electoral force in San Francisco. However, I believe Asian American electoral power is growing, particularly over the last four years. It is incredibly exciting. This year, we have Asian American candidates who are Democrat, Republican and Green. And we have a Japanese American, Chinese American, Korean American and Pilipino American on the ballot. Asian Americans have choices and don’t necessarily have to support a candidate just because they are Asian American. We have some more choices and can choose the individual that best represents our interests.

AV: What's the most helpful thing people can do to assist your campaign right now?

JK: Volunteering, spreading the word to friends that vote in San Francisco and donating to our campaign so that we can get the word out to even more voters!!

AV: And now, the lightning round!

JK: There are no mp3's. But I like listening to soul, r&b, hip hop, jazz and funk. I love bass in these genres. I also like listening to Asian American independent bands like Scrabbel, the Skyflakes, and Lumaya.

AV: What are you listening to now and what song are you most likely to play for inspiration on Election Day?

JK: Alice Russells, Lupe Fiasco, Sergio Mendes "Timeless", Red Garland's Piano, Soul Cellar Compilation, Native Guns "Barrell Men" (Kiwi and Bambu), Jill Scott "Beautifully Human Vol II"

AV: In terms of national and international politics, what's the issue that makes you the angriest or provides you with the most inspiration?

JK: Infringement on Civil Liberties, the Budget, Immigration

AV: Who are your political heroes/role models?

JK: Chris Daly, Board of Supervisor, Jeff Adachi, Public Defender, Matt Gonzalez, former President, Board of Supervisor, Sarah Lipson, Vice President, Board of Education

AV: Any other up-and-coming progressive leaders or politicians on whom our readers should keep an eye in the Bay Area?

JK: There are so many! I am really excited about leaders (that have both been in the political community for a while and younger folks that are emerging) that are coming out the San Francisco People's Organization and the League of Young/Pissed Off Voters.

Photo courtesy of janekim.org