A Vision for District 2

 

In my vision of Oakland, I see us being able to call the police and they will arrive at my doorstep within 5 minutes; sooner if I'm in a panic mode.

I see the City working hand-in-hand with the Oakland Unified School System and actually setting aside a line item labeled, "schools" in the annual budget to help support public education in Oakland.

I see City-wide, all mail balloting as the principle voting tool.

I see us tieing our entire inter-modal, transportation system together with my "Streetcar of Dreams" project. An original project authored by me to install streetcars similar to the Key System of old and tieing our neighborhoods together and providing opportunities for both commerce and small business development along the tracks.

I see "all of our children" being able to go outside and play with their playmates without fear of drive-by shootings and marooning gangs.

I see more mobility for our elders as they navigate through the City of Oakland with safe pedestrian crossings, frequent and convenient public transporation and basic support services to give them the quality of life that they richly deserve.

I see more money going to the park and recreation department to give more reliable, sustained after-school activities and programming for the youth of Oakland with good, strong mentoring programs to boot.

I see us identifying major vocational, job opportunities for resident of Oakland in nursing, the firm production industry and bio-technical and bio-medical areas.

I see a business mix of predominantly small business, mixed with light and heavy manufacturing industries and a few big box entities that respect workers and provide liveable wages and good medical coverage.

I see a Oakland where cross-cultural communities are respected and encouraged to learn about one another and resources are evenly distributed throughout Oakland.

I see Lake Merritt going back to the Estuary and the waterfront being developed for sensitive, low-density use similar to the Estuary Plan and consistent with geological realities along the waterfront.

I see the emergence of a art and food cooperative over by the Ninth Avenue Terminal with an ambiance similar to the 4^th Street area in Berkeley ideal for meadering, bicycles, families and streetcar transporation all along the waterfront. Access to the water would be open and unencumbered by high density, tall buildings.

I see the City Auditor being independent of the City Council with an independent budget which cannot be taken away whenever the City Council members find his reports too critical.

I see a City Council that is transparent in their dealings, where members respect one another's commitment to the City and discuss differences in how we reach Oakland's potential civilly and without impuning one anothers motives; no matter how provocated and a Council that respects the citizens and not allow the loudest, most influential or affluent to carry the day. A Council that solicits input from stakeholders enthusiastically instead of begrudgingly, confident in the knowledge that workers, citizens and oversight groups often know best.

And finally . . . I see the people of District 2 taking the lead on government reform and electing a community person instead of a career politician because they realize that even if we can't get special interest out of Washington D. C., we sure as heck can do it here in Oakland. I see a competence, experienced and honest individual serving in District 2.

I see Shirley Gee as your next Council Member. Join me in that vision!

HOW IS SHIRLEY DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERS?

 

The difference between my goals and those of the other candidates is that I would attack problems at their institutional base; rather that at the superficial and cosmetic level. I would work on institutional changes that would bring benefits for many years to come--not just for when I am in office. I have a broad and in-depth knowledge of public policy and community organizing and have initiated dozens of programs that have provided direct services to people and improved their economic well-being.

In the last 20+ years, I have repeatedly demonstrated my ability to set priorities and goals and achieve them; even when faced with little or no resources. My achievements speak to the commitment that I have made to Oakland and to its diverse community. I have worked on projects that have both empowered and enriched the lives of citizens. This ability was recognized by the business, union and community leaders of Oakland when they selected me as Oakland's "Citizen of the Year" in 2002.

More importantly, I have dealt with highly complex issues and am able to break them down to the grass root level and making public policy more accessible and relevant to the citizens of Oakland...

To illustrate my multi-faceted approach to goals and priorities, I point to the dragon boat project which was devoted to youth, families and seniors; while promoting commerce and business in the City of Oakland on a regional, national and international level. This project also promoted art and the preservation of culture and hosted 60,000 spectators, 1000 racers, 300 entertainers and 150 volunteers. I am the only candidate that produced an "interactive" community project to help communities of interest and "disinterest" to come together and develop linkages that would strengthen their bond to one another.

One of my goals for Oakland includes a precise plan for using transportation infrastructure to help tie neighborhoods and communities together. I have a strong business background and would be able to effectively develop, design and implement a business plan specific to the City of Oakland within its unique social and political climate. Having owned retail businesses, a professional and service business and having been a partner in a $16M development project, I am well versed on business creation and the development of commerce.

Also, I have been involved in multiple job programs serving the poor as well as professionals and have specific expertise in the development of job and career training programs which would be helpful in career planning and uplifting citizens in need of economic support and assistance.

Pick a smart and hardworking Council person to the Council to serve you.