Strong Business Background
Ms. Gee also has a strong background in business having been an owner of a real estate brokerage, a restaurant and two retail florists. As part of her enterprising nature, she was a principle in a $16M condominium development project in Palo Alto and has expertise in the commercial, real estate development and building industry. She started a state-certified apprenticeship program in 12 trades (HVAC, Electrician, Maintenance Mechanic, Auto Mechanic, Welding, Painting, Carpentry, etc.) for her employer and has expertise in the construction industry
"In order to claim that you can solve the business crisis in Oakland, you have to have first hand experience in business", Gee says. "People who have not been in business cannot really understand the complexities involved in running your own business and the challenges confronting business people . . . they can only suppose. We need more competent and experienced business people at City Council if we are to improve the small business climate in Oakland."
She is an honorary member of the Oakland Development Council , a local construction and development group, committed to improving the construction development process within Oakland . This background has enabled her to provided consultation services on organizational and financial matters to small businesses as well as to community service organizations. Additionally, she is often called upon by non-English speaking friends, relatives, and senior citizens to provide translation services on matters too complex for them to handle in the business arena.
She is a strong believer in small business enterprises and regards small businesses as the "backbone" of a City and the provider of 80% of the employment within a City. Her strong business background gives her the ability to analyze and assess business-related projects and proposals from a financial and fiscally responsible manner. This skill would be particularly useful as a City Council member since many complex, financial proposals are considered by the Council annually.