Quintin Mecke, formerly communications director for gay state Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-SF), today officially entered the race for the District 5 seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Mecke, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2007, pulled papers this morning (Thursday, June 7) to seek the supervisor district that covers the Haight, Western Addition and Japantown.

“The City is at an economic crossroads. As a 15 year resident of District 5, I cannot sit idly by while our City’s policies force out our residents and small businesses, recklessly pursuing profits for big business at whatever cost,” stated Mecke in a release announcing his candidacy.

He named the city’s rising rents and expense of owning a small business in San Francisco as key issues he wants to address at City Hall.

“I have brought principled independence to every issue I’ve worked on and that’s what I’ll continue to bring to City Hall,” stated Mecke, who joined Ammiano’s staff four years ago. “As supervisor, I will do everything in my power to work to make San Francisco a livable place for all people, including students, renters, families, seniors, artists, immigrants, and the rest of the 99%.”

His name had been rumored as a possible candidate since the fall, and the speculation increased last week when he informed the media he was stepping down as Ammiano’s main press point person.

He joins an already long list of people seeking the largely progressive district. The incumbent, bisexual Supervisor Christina Olague, already declared her intention to seek election this fall for a full term. Mayor Ed Lee appointed her to fill the vacancy created when Ross Mirkarimi resigned the post to become sheriff only to be later suspended by the mayor due to domestic violence charges.

In late May Julian Davis, president of the Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, also filed to seek the seat. A longtime progressive organizer and backer of public power, Davis has made affordable housing one of the key issues he plans to address in the race.

“I’m running for supervisor to keep this city a vibrant home for the everyday people that make San Francisco real. San Francisco should always be a home for all walks of life – a place for the artists and innovators, students and seniors, immigrants and working people who make up the unique texture of our city,” wrote Davis in an email to supporters.

Also throwing their hats into the ring are London Breed, executive director of the African American Art and Culture Complex; City College commissioner John Rizzo; Andrew Resignato, director of the San Francisco Immunization Coalition; and Thea Selby, founding member and current president of the Lower Haight Merchant and Neighbor Association.