Achieving a Vision for Oakland

by David A. Stein

Thank you for the opportunity to address the MacArthur Metro readership on the topic of the "Strong Mayor Initiative."

First, I want to express my serious concerns about placing the measure on the ballot two years earlier than originally promised. I believe that a thoughtful public discussion in advance of the ballot measure's being drafted and placed on the ballot would have yielded an improved measure.

Too often the discussion about the form of government has turned on personalities. If the initiative passes, it will be in effect long after Mayor Brown's term ends. It should not be a referendum on this mayor. Rather, we need to decide what will best enable Oakland to flourish as a city with healthy neighborhoods.

Three of the many powers in the Charter that are of great importance are the budget, city manager hiring and firing, and public access to the mayor.

The Budget Is the Council's Strength

The power of the purse resides with the City Council. Deciding whether programs should be funded or cut is about much more than money, it is about priorities. Although the mayor now submits a budget to the City Council, the power of the purse still rests with the City Council, as it should.

The Mayor's Power to Hire and Fire the City Manager

Under the Strong Mayor, the mayor has the power to hire the city manager, subject to City Council review, and to fire the city manager without City Council input. Firing authority is a significant power for the mayor. This increased mayoral authority also requires increased accountability. The Council and the people of Oakland need to hold the mayor and city manager accountable for the implementation of Council priorities and policy.

Over the years I have watched as plans to improve Oakland were made and shelved. The responsibility for implementation was fragmented. I believe increased mayoral responsibility for implementing the Council's legislative policy directions is a positive step for Oakland.

Increased Access to the Mayor

The Strong Mayor removed the mayor from Council meetings. This also reduced regular public access to the mayor.

It is not necessary for the mayor to attend every Council meeting any more than it is necessary for the governor to attend every session of the legislature. There should be frequent regular sessions for the Council and public to address and question the mayor.

Positive Change for Our Neighborhoods and the Whole City

A flourishing Oakland with healthy neighborhoods requires a strong shared vision and a plan to achieve that vision. Then the plan must be implemented. The Strong Mayor proposal maintains a basis for strong community and Council input, while at the same time centering the implementation of the vision and plan more squarely on the shoulders of the mayor. For these reasons, I support the Strong Mayor measure.

I welcome your comments. Please call me; my cell phone is 326-8898. For more specifics regarding my background, endorsements, and positions on the issues, visit my Web site, www.David4council.org.