Packed House at Oakland’s First Mayoral Forum

By Aimee Allison

It was standing room only for Oakland’s first mayoral forum, which brought six candidates together to discuss education, job creation, gang injunctions and the impact of ranked-choice voting. Candidates Jean Quan, Rebecca Kaplan, Orlando Johnson, Greg Harland, Don MacLeay, and Terrence Candell shared the stage. Candidate Don Perata chose not to appear at the forum.

For many in the audience, it was the first opportunity to measure both the style and the substance of the candidates.

The candidates answered six questions that came from audience members. The questions centered on the budget crisis, education, job creation and ranked choice voting. Each candidate was asked how they would rank others in the race. Rebecca Kaplan and Jean Quan acknowledged the importance of the new ranked-choice process but didn’t name other candidates they would recommend. Jean Quan suggested that running as a slate would shore up the candidates chances in contrast to candidate Don Perata who was not present.

In contrast, MacLeay, Johnson and Harland indicated they would cooperate in recommending each other to their supporters. Candell rejected the premise of rank choice voting, opting to encourage people to vote for him, “first, second, and third.”

Other observations:

Rebecca Kaplan – Indicated that she will make a priority of attracting good paying jobs and businesses to the city – particularly those like the solar panel manufacturer in town.

Jean Quan – Offered detailed responses to questions related to charter schools and the city’s role in supporting youth programs.

Greg Harland – Thoughtfully explained the role police and fire pensions were negatively impacting the city budget.

Don MacLeay – Discussed his commitment to the key values expressed in the Green Party and how those help him address unemployment and inequity.

Terrence Candell – Energetically addressed the crowd. He offered his solutions to the budget crisis – a commuter tax on those who work or play in town but live elsewhere.

Orlando Johnson – Eloquently outlined a local currency plan that uses a card plus incentives for visitors to shop locally.

The organizers, OaklandSeen, 100 Black Men and Black Women Organized for Political Action called the night a success. BWOPA Political Action Chair Esperanza Tervalon-Daumont commented, “The first mayoral forum gave Oakland voters a real opportunity to learn about six of dynamic and engaging leaders on the issues we care about most: job creation, public safety and fixing the City budget. The enthusiasm after the forum was palpable and today, the community is buzzing with renewed excitement for Oakland’s possibility.