Change Comes to Oakland
California just finished its first of three elections in 2008. Voters expressed their clear desire that they want change, new political leaders and will not accept government as usual.
On the national front, a large Democratic voter turn gave Hilary Clinton a narrow victory over Barack Obama. The Republicans went solidly for John McCain, who has now solidified his position as the front runner. Looks like the Democrats are headed for a brokered convention and the Republicans will fall in line behind McCain. Mr. Obama has energized voters who enthusiastically embrace his calls for change.
California voters soundly rejected propositions that would have altered term limits and education funding. They approved the Indian gaming pacts. They expressed their strong concern over education and healthcare.
On the local level, the Children’s Hospital funding measure was soundly defeated. The voters were concerned by Children’s end-run around their neighbors, county and city officials regarding their plan. Voters felt uncomfortable not having any input or review of Children’s plans. While voters admire Children’s Hospital fine service to our city, they did not like their unilateral approach to expansion. An inclusive approach will benefit all
The second election will be in June. The State will have several propositions on the ballot. The city and county were unable to implement instant runoffs; therefore, Oakland will hold its primary election in June as well. This will be the second chance for Oakland voters to express their desire for change for a better Oakland.
Oakland City Council Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and At Large seats are up for re-election. Each seat appears to have a strong challenger, especially the At Large seat. All the incumbents have been in office for at least 12 years. The voters will have a choice regarding their job performance and the direction of the city.
Throughout the incumbents’ tenure, Oakland has been faced with the same problems: crime, rebuilding neighborhoods, job creation and improving our schools. Thus far, the incumbents haven’t come up with any solutions to these serious and vexing problems. In June, the voters will have a chance affirm they want change for a better Oakland.
Crime is a problem that has no easy solutions. It will take a dedicated and assertive effort to solve. But first and foremost, there must be immediate security in the city. That means increasing our police and effectively using them to patrol and protect the city.
While more police is a vital part of the solution, it is not the only one. We have to start programs aimed at crime prevention, alternatives, proactive prosecution and rehabilitation. We must engage the resources of the state and federal governments to assist us in our fight against crime. For example, much of our crime is driven by the drug trade. We must use the state and federal resources to target the major drug trafficking and remove it from Oakland. The city must grow programs that provide alternatives to crime and rehabilitation. We must do our part to stop crime. The cycle and culture of crime must be broken for it to be stopped.
The Oakland City Council must face the difficult decisions regarding rebuilding our neighborhoods. The city needs to aggressively encourage a wide variety of housing in our neighborhoods to repopulate them. The city must attract basic service to neighborhoods such as shopping and other retail. There is absolutely no reason that Oakland citizens have to go to Emeryville, Richmond, San Francisco, San Leandro and Walnut Creek to buy clothes, appliances, autos and other basic necessities. Our shopping dollars, with its jobs and tax revenues belong here in Oakland. It will take an aggressive and dedicated Council to bring those dollars home.
The Oakland City Council must create more jobs in our city. We have to bring job-producing businesses here for our citizens. We can no longer sit by and watch Emeryville, Richmond, Hayward, Fremont, Walnut Creek, Concord and every other Bay Area city collect jobs while we are left behind. More jobs mean more services and a better quality of life. A hard-working, dedicated Council can change the flow of jobs into Oakland.
The Oakland City Council can no longer sit on the sidelines regarding our public schools. They are not the elected school board, but they have to take a more active role in the improvement of our schools. Right now, the State controls the schools and appoints the superintendent, who is only held accountable to the State.
The City Council can ensure that the state-appointed superintendent performs their duties that programs are put in place to improve our schools, and our tax dollars are being spent in the best interest of the Oakland students. The Council can also work with the state-appointed superintendent to create more joint opportunities such as after school programs to benefit Oakland students. Yes, it is hard work and will take creative actions, but that is the change you should expect from your City Council.
Oakland voters showed that they can support change in politics. You are commended for turning out in record numbers to vote on February 5th. Now, you must vote two more times this year and vote. Make sure you vote again in June and again in November. Make sure that you register your voice for a change for a better Oakland.
Clinton Killian is an attorney in downtown Oakland, an Oakland resident, a former Oakland Planning Commissioner and a candidate for Oakland City Council. He can be reached at: (510) 625-8823 or email: clintonkillian@yahoo.com. Website: www.clintonkillian.com
