Hongisto Has the History

By Richard D. Hongisto

Only this candidate can boast of 40 years of public service.

Richard is the Chief Executive Officer of a successful security business, and he manages his own real estate investments, prideing himself on being a fair and progressive landlord. His most prized position is that of a loving father to Richard and Ashley. He is very proud of his family's Finnish heritage, Richard's grandparents emigrated from Finland in the early 1900s and settled in the familiar climate of Bovey, Minnesota. His father was a skilled welder who moved his family West after the beginning of WWII in search of more opportunity and "an open-minded environment." As a longstanding resident and political figure in San Francisco, Richard looks forward with great enthusiasm to be in a position to preserve the quality of life in the neighborhoods, communities and districts of the County of San Francisco.

If elected to County Assessor, Richard Hongisto expects to continue his passion for reform and carry out the duties of his office with the kind of commitment that he applies to all his endeavors. He is quite aware that his every effort will have a direct affect on the lives of those he serves, no matter how they vote, no matter the issue, or how intense the pressure. Powerful forces of opposition will not deter him from is course # to stand up for all San Franciscans.

After completing the Police Science Program at City College Richard continued his studies at San Francisco State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Richard and his older brother began their college education intending to become Educators. Richard chose to be a teacher because he believed then and still does that education is the cure for racism and discrimination. Richard joined the San Francisco Police Department simply to support himself during college, yet it is here that he makes the decision to forge a career in public service.

Richard changed his focus once he became a part of a public agency that did not represent the same diversity of the city it was charged to protect. He became enthusiastic about implementing his ideas for change. However, Richard did not abandon his education. Some years later he earned a graduate degree in Criminology from the University of California at Berkeley.

Richard became a controversial figure throughout most of his law enforcement career. However, what many don't know or understand is that the controversy that surrounds Richard Hongisto is due primarily to his desire for change and reform in bogged down bureaucratic systems.

Hongisto is a progressive public servant who risks his own reputation to fight for inclusion in all levels of local and state government. Richard's former partner in the police department, Frank Flazon, was quoted saying that Hongisto is a "humane cop even before it was the in thing to do." As Police Chief, Hongisto was responsible for appointing the first women to departmental positions and he hired the first publicly admitted gay to the police department. He also founded the Officers for Justice, an organization of African-American police officers. These actions deliver a bold message and lack a of fear not often found in a typical politician concerned with maintaining a pristine image and efforts that are more accurately described as status quo.

Richard has consistently looked for areas that need improvement. His broad-minded plans for reform frequently come under fire at the beginning, however after their implementation they have been known to attract praise and a "job well done." For example while he was the Criminal Justice Commissioner his proposal to make changes to the jail was harshly criticized. Yet after his plan was executed Richard received the praise of officials of the State Board of Corrections for his innovative improvement to the jail.

Richard is ready and willing to take the heat and he doesn't shy away from putting the public's interest above his own political gain. He was willing to be incarcerated for refusing to evict long-standing tenants of the International Hotel, many of whom were senior citizens, after it was purchased by an individual with more money than compassion. After many years the hotel was eventually emptied and torn down, but not with Richard Hongisto's assistance. The property still sits vacant long after Richard lost his job in defense of the tenants' rights.

For a more extensive look at Richard Hongisto's political life go to http://www.hongistoforassessor.com