Libby Schaaf, my friend and Oakland City Council District Four Representative – who so scared the heck out of current Oakland Mayor Jean Quan when Libby openly talked about running that Quan sent supporters to talk her out of it – has officially filed papers to run for Mayor of Oakland.
Here’s Libby and I talking about Oakland budget issues earlier this year:
This is the note Libby sent out via Democracy.com:
I was born and raised in Oakland, and I’ve focused my entire life and career on making Oakland better. I’m passionate about the tremendous promise and potential of our great city.
It’s time to believe in Oakland again.
Oakland can provide high-quality public schools, and stop the truancy epidemic.
Oakland can be safe – protecting our people with cops in our community, lessening gun violence, building a responsive 911 system, and implementing smart community- based crime prevention.
Oakland can create new jobs and a thriving economy. This is one of the most innovative and creative places on earth. We are going to open our doors to the small businesses and growing industries that will support good jobs and help our neighborhoods flourish.
Oakland government can be transparent, innovative and efficient. We need budgets that are accessible, understandable, and accountable to the citizens.
And we must start delivering the essential services such as road repair and maintenance that will ensure our community thrives.
Oakland can achieve its promise – Oakland can, and I know Oakland will.
With Oakland-love,
Libby
(And in the purpose of disclosure, I donated to her campaign, just as I’ve done for Bryan Parker’s campaign for Mayor of Oakland.)
Now, Libby Schaaf officially joins Bryan Parker, Joe Tuman, Pat McCullough, and current Oakland Mayor Jean Quan in the race for Mayor of Oakland to date.
I think everyone who blogs or writes about the Oakland Mayor’s Race should present their intent and biases right up front. As I’ve said before, I am giving everyone a platform here, period.
Stay tuned.