As a resident of District Six for decades I am very familiar with every nook and cranny of our district, even the shifting boundaries. I am cognizant of the lack of a sustainable economy in our village, lack of attention paid to this area for the last ten years by the City Council, lack of vigorous community planning by city staff.
I am also aware of the tremendous diversity, talent, and energy amongst the residents.
By its Charter, the Oakland City Council members have two portfolios only. One is to pass legislation (ordinances) to create and maintain a safe and secure environment “being vested with all powers of legislation in municipal affairs adequate to provide a complete system of local government consistent with the Constitution of the State of California. “
The second is budgetary: “The Council shall fix the compensation of all City employees, officers and officials except as otherwise provided by this Charter.
The Council shall have no administrative powers.” {Section 209}
As the Chair of NPC 29X and years of activism on many issues, I do know the policies, historical and current, of the City. I also am familiar with budgets and (under)staffing throughout the departments.
As a professional tax preparer, I am thoroughly versed in accounting methods and principles, finance mechanisms, tax policies at city, state and federal levels as well as theories of what makes a sustainable and vibrant local economy. Thus I feel I have the appropriate background to legislate and budget on your behalf. More importantly, however, is my track record of community service and working with many of your neighbors to resolve and mitigate neighborhood challenges such as creek pollution, animal issues, street maintenance and fire prevention. I am well known for my rants and suggestions about “gift shops” selling drugs, ideas on development of our public land jewel, lack of comprehensive planning department to department, and the overall malaise that seems to have enveloped us.
I am also aware of the tremendous diversity, talent, and energy amongst the residents.
By its Charter, the Oakland City Council members have two portfolios only. One is to pass legislation (ordinances) to create and maintain a safe and secure environment “being vested with all powers of legislation in municipal affairs adequate to provide a complete system of local government consistent with the Constitution of the State of California. “
The second is budgetary: “The Council shall fix the compensation of all City employees, officers and officials except as otherwise provided by this Charter.
The Council shall have no administrative powers.” {Section 209}
As the Chair of NPC 29X and years of activism on many issues, I do know the policies, historical and current, of the City. I also am familiar with budgets and (under)staffing throughout the departments.
As a professional tax preparer, I am thoroughly versed in accounting methods and principles, finance mechanisms, tax policies at city, state and federal levels as well as theories of what makes a sustainable and vibrant local economy. Thus I feel I have the appropriate background to legislate and budget on your behalf. More importantly, however, is my track record of community service and working with many of your neighbors to resolve and mitigate neighborhood challenges such as creek pollution, animal issues, street maintenance and fire prevention. I am well known for my rants and suggestions about “gift shops” selling drugs, ideas on development of our public land jewel, lack of comprehensive planning department to department, and the overall malaise that seems to have enveloped us.
