Oakland mayoral candidates deliver closing arguments to undecided voters – Washington Examiner
In the lead-up to Oakland’s special mayoral election, the two main candidates, Barbara Lee and Loren Taylor, are making their final appeals to undecided voters. The election is crucial, as the city grapples with challenges like the ongoing effects of the pandemic, significant public safety issues, and reduced city services due to budget deficits and mismanagement. after the ousting of former Mayor Sheng Thao, who faced federal indictment, a crowded field of candidates emerged, with Lee and Taylor as the frontrunners. Taylor, who previously served on the City Council, emphasizes the need for effective governance to deliver on promises and restore city services. In contrast, Lee focuses on revitalizing the local economy, particularly through support for small businesses and collaboration with major employers. Both candidates are actively engaging with the community, highlighting their visions for the future of Oakland amidst voter disillusionment.
Oakland mayoral candidates deliver closing arguments to undecided voters
The top two candidates in Oakland‘s special election for mayor spent the weekend canvassing neighborhoods and making their closing arguments to voters in a city riddled with problems.
Oakland has yet to bounce back from the pandemic, has a serious public safety problem, and has seen city services slashed due to a budget deficit and years of mismanagement.
Oakland had a sudden vacancy at the top after voters ousted former Mayor Sheng Thao in November. Thao, who served in the position for two years, was federally indicted on bribery, corruption, and fraud charges. She was the nation’s first mayor of a major city to be voted out of office midterm in over a decade.
A crowded field rushed in to replace her, including former Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and her more moderate opponent, Loren Taylor, who has gained traction by tapping into voter frustration.
“We’re walking precincts, we’re phone banking, we’re texting,” Taylor told KTVU while going door-to-door in east Oakland’s Eastmont Hills neighborhood. “Voters in Oakland are frustrated that every time they vote for something, they’re getting promises, but folks aren’t delivering. They’re paying more taxes year after year, and the benefits, the services, are diminishing. So they’re really looking for someone who can take control of the city and deliver on our promises.”
Over at the farmer’s market in Jack London Square, Lee spoke about the importance of small businesses in the economy.
“Small businesses really give life to our city and are critical to not only our economic development and creation of jobs but to the vibrancy of this great, beautiful city,” Lee said.
The former congresswoman pitched a plan to revitalize Oakland by meeting with the CEOs of the city’s 10 largest employers to develop a collaborative strategy to boost the economy and improve public safety.
Taylor, who represented portions of east Oakland on the City Council, narrowly lost the 2022 bid for mayor. He is widely seen as the only challenger to Lee in the race, though there are nine candidates.
Taylor said he wanted to fix the city, while Lee said she wanted to unify it.
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In January, Lee, 78, left Washington, D.C., after losing her bid for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat. Then-Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) won the crowded primary and general election.
The loss ended Lee’s nearly three-decade career in Congress, during which her fight for civil rights made her a hometown hero. However, when she returned to Oakland, the city was a mess and in desperate need of a new leader.
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