Candidates for 2025 BTHA Board of Directors
Daniel Connolly
Arlene Doyle
Richard Hill
Karin Hu
Lee Jackrel
Mary Jung
Mee Mee Kiong
Robert Mann
Andje Medina
Honoria Sarmento
Michael Schlemmer
Bill Thomen
2025 Candidate’s Statements
Daniel Connolly - San Aleso Ave.
I am a native San Franciscan and have lived with my family in the Balboa Terrace area for the last seven years. I am currently an attorney for a public agency in the East Bay and previously served as an Inspector of Elections for the Association. My desire to serve on the Board is motivated by my desire to partner with the other Board members to continue providing ethically and fiscally responsible oversight of the Association’s resources to promote a sense of community and to enhance our property values.
Arlene Doyle - San Benito Way
My husband and I have lived in Balboa Terrace for the past 40 years and have raised our children and our grandson here. I love this neighborhood with its tree-lined streets and lovely homes, but it's the people who really make this feel like a neighborhood. I have been a member of the board on several occasions and am interested in re-joining the board in order to help facilitate the passage of governing documents that would put us in compliance with the laws governing HOAs in California.
Richard Hill - San Aleso Ave.
I have been on the Board for several years, and I have been the President for the last few years. Our Board is more collegial and respectful than when I first joined; our finances are in order, and our Reserve Fund is growing; we have made improvements to our common areas, and improvements to the Junipero Serra median are forthcoming; we are respectfully asking some neighbors to improve their landscaping; we will oppose any 6-8 story buildings in Balboa Terrace; and I am hopeful that our Governing Documents project will be finished in 2025. We are moving in the right direction.
Karin Hu - San Leandro Way
I’ve been lucky to call Balboa Terrace home for over 30 years, getting to know many great neighbors while walking my little dogs. I’ve volunteered in neighborhood clean-ups and the BTHA Election committee and helped at the annual picnics. As a Board member, my goal is to maintain property values and foster neighborliness, as well as participate in prioritizing and resolving BTHA issues, managing expenses, and identifying the roles between the BTHA and the City regulations. I’m a retired City College neuroscience professor and aim to remain “collegial” as a BTHA Board member.
Lee Jackrel - Darien Way
I moved to San Francisco in the mid-90s after graduating from Brown University. Although I graduated with a biology degree, I’ve spent most of my career in marketing, working in industries ranging from portfolio management software to property management. I’m currently doing venture investing and have spent 24 years volunteering to help marine mammals in Sausalito. Since arriving in San Francisco, I’ve gradually moved west: from Lower Nob Hill to Cole Valley, to the Inner Sunset, before settling in Balboa Terrace in 2013. My goal is to help the Board serve the neighborhood with efficiency, respect, and minimal drama.
Mary Jung - San Leandro Way
In 1988, my family and I chose Balboa Terrace for its warmth and community spirit. With 30 years in local government and a decade tackling homelessness issues, I've gained diverse experience. I've led various boards, chaired the SF Democratic Party, and recently steered the 2022 Recall the DA campaign. My commitment to community well-being is strong. Now, I'm eager to bring my passion and expertise to our HOA, ensuring Balboa Terrace remains a family-friendly haven. Let's collaborate to enhance our neighborhood's charm and livability. Together, we can make Balboa Terrace an even better place to call home.
Mee Mee Kiong - San Aleso Ave.
I have been a resident of Balboa Terrace for over 25 years and currently serve as a member of the BTHA Board. With more than 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, I am currently the CFO of a single-family and multifamily development company and also serve as a director on the Board of the Waikiki Improvement Association. I am excited to contribute both my professional expertise and my personal experience as a long-time resident to help strengthen and enhance our neighborhood for years to come.
Robert Mann - Darien Way
As a proud 25-year resident of Balboa Terrace, I am committed to preserving our neighborhood’s safe, family-friendly atmosphere. My experience and dedication equip me to serve as a strong advocate for our community’s values. I will prioritize a conservative fiscal policy to ensure financial stability and build reserves to address unforeseen challenges if elected as a Director. My goal is to safeguard Balboa Terrace’s charm and security while fostering a collaborative and transparent approach to decision-making. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of our wonderful neighborhood.
Andje Medina - Santa Ana Ave.
I am an attorney and small business owner in San Francisco. I live on Santa Ana with my husband and toddler son. My husband was born and raised in West Portal, and we have spent the last twenty-five years living between West Portal and Merced Heights. We moved into Balboa Terrace in 2021 and welcomed our son in 2022. We love this neighborhood, and I am committed to maintaining its beauty, protecting property values, and supporting our neighbors. I currently serve on the Association Board and the boards of two non-profit organizations geared at protecting community safety and consumer rights.
Honoria Sarmento - San Leandro Way
I am running for a 3rd year to be on the board. My first year was spent listening to the more experienced board members and getting a feel for what it takes to be on a board. My 2nd year was focused on volunteering on committees and helping resolve neighborhood issues. Next year, I hope we can finish updating our outdated CCRs & Bylaws, and other guides. As part of our board, I want to do better for our neighbors and community by helping each other resolve issues. Together, we can make our neighborhood a friendly and safer place.
Michael Schlemmer - Junipero Serra Blvd.
My partner Jordan and I, along with our dogs Dante and Trixie, love being part of this vibrant neighborhood. As a third-generation San Franciscan, my roots run deep. Since moving into the “Chocolate House” next to the steps in 2019, I have been deeply committed to fostering community engagement, including serving as “Block Captain” during COVID-19, and a few terms now on the HOA Board. Professionally, I bring experience as a law firm partner, former social worker, and past Board member for several non-profits. I am passionate about keeping our neighborhood a fun, safe, welcoming, and clean place to live.
Bill Thomen - San Aleso Ave.
I have resided in Balboa Terrace since December 2015 and, during that time, have served on the HOA Board for a number of years. In the past, I have been the Treasurer, and as such, I am focused on strong financial management of the Association as well as historic preservation. We live in a beautiful place, and my goal is to continue enhancing our neighborhood's appearance and managing it in a fiscally responsible way.