Oakland mayor: City charter makes governing difficult for whoever is elected
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland voters will head to the polls Tuesday to choose a new mayor in a special election marked by growing frustration over a city leadership vacuum, budget woes, and a public safety crisis.
The race features nine candidates, with longtime U.S. Representative Barbara Lee and former city Councilmember Loren Taylor emerging as frontrunners. While each has laid out plans for tackling the city's budget deficit and public safety concerns, both acknowledge the limitations of the role they're seeking.
Oakland mayoral election: Top candidates share vision for city, crime and more with ABC7
"We can't just go with the same thing we've been doing time and time again," Taylor said while canvassing Monday. "We need to focus on actual problem solving and delivering results - not just convening people without real outcomes."
Lee, who has decades worth of political connections as a longtime congresswoman, said she views that as a strength instead of a weakness.
"Even though my opponents don't seem to think so, our alliances and relationships are critical to moving this city forward," she said. "That's key."
Both candidates have pledged to take action immediately if elected, acknowledging the urgency of Oakland's challenges.
"It's important that a mayor hits the ground running," Lee said. "We have many challenges, and we have to address them together."
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But even with a strong mandate, the next mayor will have limited tools. Under Oakland's city charter - the city's governing document - the mayor lacks veto power and has little authority over legislation or the budget, leading to what many call a weak executive office.
"Oakland needs a strong mayor. And that doesn't mean someone with dictatorial powers. It means someone with executive powers. Right now, the buck stops nowhere in Oakland. It's all over the place," said James Taylor, a political science professor at the University of San Francisco. "As a consequence, you end up with a weak mayor."
Lee said she's ready to work within the system while pushing for reform.
"Until we get a charter review where residents can make up their minds and decide what form of governance they want, I'm gonna write my own job description within the charter to make sure it becomes the strongest mayor possible within the current charter," she said. "But we need a process where people come together to make a decision about the governance."
Interim mayor Kevin Jenkins referenced this system in a social media post last Tuesday, expressing his support for Lee.
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"The City Charter - our city's version of a constitution-is inherently flawed," Jenkins wrote. "Oakland does not have a strong mayor system. That's why it's absolutely critical that we elect a mayor who can work effectively with the current City Council."
He went on to express his opinion that Lee has the best relationships with councilmembers, but Taylor refuted that point. He said he will focus on collaboration with City Council to make progress.
"It is not a job to play favorites or, personality politics. Instead, it's a job of service and getting things done. That's what I'm running for," Taylor said. "I expect that every council member who has been elected will work with the other elected representatives, elected by Oakland to get things done and solve these problems."
Experts say real change may require rewriting the city charter - a move that could land Oakland voters back at the ballot box.
"The city charter is the number one obstacle in Oakland politics," Taylor said. "It prevents the mayor and council from doing the kind of administrative work they need to do."
Two most endorsed candidates Barbara Lee and Loren Taylor make final push
Ahead of the special election, We spoke with the two most endorsed candidates as they talked with Oaklanders.
"Oh Barbara!" said one woman.
"How are you? So nice to see you!" replied former Congresswoman Barbara Lee who was all smiles, but on a heated campaign trail against former Oakland Councilmember Loren Taylor.
"I know you got other people to see but I want to thank you for your time. We both did vote for you!" said an Oakland resident to Taylor.
"Thank you that means a lot!" replied Taylor.
Taylor went going door-to-door in this Oakland Hills neighborhood Monday evening and so did Barbara Lee half a mile down the road.
Oakland mayoral election: Loren Taylor shares vision for city, tackling crime, budget crisis
"The pundits all say there is going to be a low voter turnout, well I want to prove them wrong," said Lee.
"We are out here getting out the vote. That's what it's all about. 24 hours to go," said Taylor.
We walked with both candidates in the Oakland Hills and there is a special energy from residents concerning this mayor race on Tuesday. One thing is for sure, Oaklanders wanted to talk about the issues.
"What do they tell you? What's their big concern?" asked ABC7 News reporter J.R. Stone to Taylor.
"There's a general, I will say frustration and hopelessness that folks have about things getting better just because the city has not done what it is supposed to do. We have not done the basics," replied Taylor.
"What's the issue that people are bringing up to you? What do they want to talk about?" asked Stone to Lee.
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"The most important issue quite naturally is public safety. Every community in Oakland, I don't care where you live, people are concerned about their community, their families, their children, and everyone deserves public safety here in Oakland," said Lee.
As to how those goals can be accomplished. Lee says implementing Measure NN is a must.
"Which requires us to get to at least 700 police officers. We need more but for starters get to 700. Lets free up police officers to do policing and also invest in and strengthen Ceasefire," said Lee.
Taylor hitting several issues.
"Improving quality of life, keeping people safe, keeping our city clean, roads in good repair, and giving folks opportunities. So attracting businesses, creating jobs, growing, enterprising the economy here, that's what this is about," said Taylor.
As for election day, Ballots must be dropped off by 8 p.m. Tuesday.
