Why Gee?
• Voters should choose Shirley Gee because she has an impressive history of effectiveness and getting things done for people and improving their quality of life. Her extensive experience and skills have already enabled her to make a real difference in District 2 and throughout Oakland.
In the last election, apolitical communities voted at a dazzling 62% demonstrating that disenfranchised communities WILL VOTE given a candidate of substance. The all-mail, special election produced an impressive turnover of voters and Oakland should stay the course of all-mail balloting in lieu of poll voting.
Listen to what Shirley Gee has to say about this upcoming campaign . . . it's going to be exciting and NOT "business as usual".
Press Release
March 6, 2006
LET'S DO IT AGAIN" SAYS SHIRLEY GEE!
In a burst of enthusiasm and purpose, District 2 City Council Candidate, Shirley Gee, jumps into the race for District 2. She will be at City Hall in the City Clerk's Office to take out her paperwork at 11:00 a.m. on March 6, 2006 for those who want to chat with her about the upcoming election.
"We left some things on the table during the last Special Election," says Shirley Gee. "We succeeded in dispelling the myth that it takes special interest money and the political establishment's permission to be competitive in a district race. With a mere $13,000 cash outlay, I was one of three finalists out of a field of nine. In a contest where people outspent me as much as 10 to 1, I am proud of the voters who supported my efforts to change the dynamics of City Hall politics."
Ms. Gee emphatically believes that it is extremely important for voters to take notice of the fact that money does not define a campaign. "There are so many great people in Oakland doing important work and making a difference, and who should be running for office," she explained, "but they are discouraged by the price tag and the myth that it takes endorsements to succeed in the political arena. It is a powerful myth and is critical to dispel for a healthy democracy."
"I am proof positive that it does not take money or permission to be a candidate or, as I hope to prove, to win. Throughout all of my community work, I have come to fervently believe that if your cause has integrity and you are true to your ideals and principles, you can prevail. In any event, one should get off the couch and at least try."
"This time around, I need to win for all the people who want a cleaner, more transparent government and I need the broader community to join me in defeating ‘politics as usual’ and to take down a system that is essentially rigged to send career politicians to City Hall over and over again. Taking on the political establishment is always an uphill battle but I think the voters can get it done."
"I'm doing my part. I'm making myself available to those 72% who wanted someone other than the incumbent. As my mom used to say, ‘if you want to catch a fox, you send a fox; not a duck’. "
"Besides, when an incumbent outspends me 10 to 1 and only gets 28% of the votes, leaving 72% of the electorate on the table, someone has to go get them. If there is one major distinction between me and the other candidates–I'm the best of both combined, with none of the special interest baggage."
"My campaign is going to be the ‘voters' campaign’, with meaningful discussions; not sound bites. The voters will have an opportunity to send a message to City Hall if they so choose. Want to change the face of politics and kick out special interests and tell our local politicians that ordinary people still matter in the political equation?"
"If we can't do it at the national level, surely we can get it done on the local level. Well, here's your chance . . . Vote for me, and let's do it together."
Not bad for the little girl who grew up poor and made good in the City of Oakland.
It is this sentiment and her commitment to helping neighbors and people that has driven much of her work for community. Sending Shirley Gee to City Hall would be like sending "one of our own". She would be a common sense, critical thinking, hard work City Council Member and be a refreshing change from "politics as usual".
Past choices and deeds define who a person is and voters can have confidence that she has a strong enough moral center to withstand the rigors of the political environment. When asked how she navigates through difficult choices and even more difficult circumstances, she says, "it's about people". "You focus on their needs, not on your own discomfort. So many people's hopes and aspirations go with you to City Hall. No person should ever forget that when they get to City Hall. I know, I won't.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE MATTERS !!!!!!!!
LOOK WHAT SHIRLEY GEE BRINGS TO THE TABLE . . .
• Long time resident of the City of Oakland (since 1952)
• Long history of recognized community service and volunteerism in City of Oakland
• Recipient of prestigious community service award, " Citizen of the Year " (2002) in City of Oakland
• Accomplished professional background specializing in civil rights, diversity issues and job programming (25 + years)
• Extensive knowledge and skills in Organization Development, Fiscal and Budget Planning
• Expertise in pubic administration including government, state and municipalities
• Extensive experience (35+ years) in governmental regulatory statues and codes (i.e., Congressional Acts, Executive Orders, Code of Federal Regulations, State statues, municipal codes and ordinances, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience in building coalitions around complex issues (e.g., Electoral Re-districting)
• Served on numerous non-profit, charity and community organizations (Oakland Potluck, International Dragon Boat Association, Jack London Aquatic Center, Oakland Development Council, Police Oral Board, Firefighters Oral Board, League of Women Voters, Oakland Cultural Center, etc.)
• Direct experience in setting and influencing public policy.
• History of initiating and establishing career-oriented job programs for low income and the chronically unemployed, women with dependent children and seasonal migrant farm worker (i.e., Vacuum Technology and Electronic Technician)
• Principle architect in establishing and administering a state-certified Apprenticeship Program in twelve trades (e.g., Auto Mechanic, HVAC, Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Welder, Plumber, Painter, etc.) for Stanford University
• Strong commercial business background including experience in commercial development (multi-million dollar Palo Alto condo project)
• Past Business Owner (Two Florists and Real Estate firm)
• Background and skills in contract negotiations, pre-litigation investigations, and conflict resolution
• Direct experience in establishing and administering a non-profit, corporation (International Dragon Boat Association - the "dragon boat project").