Easy Voter Guide Oakland Municipal Election November 3, 2020
This Easy Voter Guide lists basic, nonpartisan information about local candidates and measures on the November 3, 2020 ballot. This guide is produced by the League of Women Voters of Oakland as a free educational service. For more copies, call (510) 834-7640. This guide is also available in Spanish and Chinese versions • Esta guía también está disponible en español • 本指南也有中文版
Page 2
November 3, 2020 Election Easy Voter Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS ELECTION
About this Election..............................Page 2 What is on your ballot depends on where you live in Oakland. You have new ways to vote in this election because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Election Day is November 3, 2020. In this election, all Oakland voters can vote for candidates for City Council At-Large and City Attorney. Oakland voters who live in Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7 can vote for candidates for City Council and School Board.
City Council At-Large (3 Candidates)....Page 3 Oakland has eight City Council members who work together to make decisions about city services, the city budget, and local rules and laws. One of those eight members represents the whole city “at-large.” The term of office for City Council At-Large is four years. City Council (17 Candidates)............Pages 3-6 Unlike the at-large member, the other seven City Council members represent separate districts in Oakland. The term of office for City Council is four years. City Attorney (2 Candidates)................Page 6 The City Attorney represents Oakland in lawsuits, and gives legal advice to the city’s elected and appointed officials, commissions, and committees. The term of office for City Attorney is four years. School Board (17 Candidates)..........Pages 7-9 Oakland has seven School Board directors who represent separate districts in Oakland. School Board directors work together to make policies about how the schools in Oakland operate. The term of office for School Board is four years. Candidates for Other Offices................Page 9 In this election, many candidates will be running for a variety of national, state, county, and special district offices. Ballot Measures..........................Pages 10-11 Measure QQ (Youth Vote) Measure RR (Fine Limits) Measure S1 (Police Commission) Measure Y (School Facilities Bond) Measure W (Alameda County Sales Tax) State Propositions About the League..............................Page 12 The League of Women Voters of Oakland is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government.
Oakland has seven districts. Each district is represented by its own City Council member and its own School Board director. Oakland voters who live in certain neighborhoods can vote for candidates for special districts and other offices. All Oakland voters can vote on 12 state propositions and five local ballot measures (three city ballot measures, one school board measure, and one county measure).
HOW TO VOTE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Make sure you are registered to vote at the address where you are currently living. You can register or check your registration status at the California Secretary of State’s online voter registration webpage (registertovote.ca.gov), or you can find registration forms at post offices. The deadline to register is October 19. If you miss the registration deadline, you can still register in person at the Alameda County Registrar of Voters office (1225 Fallon Street in Oakland) or at any of the 100 Accessible Voting Locations (AVLs) in Alameda County. AVLs will be open on Saturday, October 31 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Sunday, November 1 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Monday, November 2 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and Tuesday, November 3 (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.). You can look up AVL locations at the registrar’s website (acvote.org). There are three ways to vote in this election: 1) By mail: All registered voters will be sent a vote-by-mail ballot. Complete your ballot and return it by mail, no postage required. Mail it early enough so that it is postmarked by November 3, and be sure to sign the outside envelope. 2) Drop off: Drop off your completed vote-by-mail ballot in a 24-Hour Drop Box. There are 66 drop boxes in Alameda County (check acgov.org/rovapps/maps/ballotdropbox_map.htm for locations). 3) In person: You can complete a ballot at an AVL during the dates and times listed above. In this election, the usual polling places will not be open due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, call the registrar at (510) 272-6973.
Easy Voter Guide
November 3, 2020 Election Page 3
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 (Three candidates)
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE (Three candidates) Derreck Johnson
Rebecca Kaplan
Nancy Sidebotham
Steph Dominguez Walton
Dan Kalb
Tri Ngo
Occupation: Small Business Owner Age: 55 Website: johnsonforoakland.com
Occupation: Oakland City Councilmember Age: 50 Website: KaplanforOakland.org
Occupation: Tax Preparer Age: 75 Website: nancysidebotham.com
Occupation: Businesswoman, Mother Age: 54 Website: stephforoakland.com
Occupation: Oakland City Councilmember Age: Over 21 Website: dankalb.net
Occupation: Electrical Engineer Age: 36 Website: votetri.com
I am dedicated to serving and protecting the people of Oakland, and have worked as Legislative Aide, Housing Rights Attorney, AC Transit Boardmember, leader at Alameda County Transportation Commission, and was unanimously elected Council President by my colleagues last year.
I’ve fought for the rights of our residents.
Oakland’s biggest problems continue to get worse, the status quo is not working. We need change. I have over 25 years’ experience as a businesswoman, community activist, and classroom volunteer and I’m ready to meet this moment.
2-term, hard-working Councilmember. Longtime public interest, environmental, social justice advocate. UC Berkeley Alum. 30 years of policymaking and budget experience with proven record of accomplishments. Affordable housing champion, good government politician, outstanding library advocate, community service volunteer.
Born in a refugee camp and grew up in a working-class family, I became a PhD engineer from MIT, Johns Hopkins and Tesla. I am the only candidate limiting contributions to $35 per individual to ensure all voices are heard.
- Effective solutions for homelessness, displacement prevention, and expanding affordable housing - Protecting public health from the pandemic and from environmental injustice - Improving local jobs and support for local small businesses
1) Complete outside audit.
As your representative, I will prioritize affordable housing and homelessness, equity in education, revitalizing our local economy, and police reform. I promise to always listen and return your calls.
Housing Affordability & Homelessness: keeping people in their homes, more affordable housing. Public Safety for All: reduced crime, safer streets, emergency preparedness, police oversight. COVID Response: public health, preventing evictions, preserving small businesses, economic recovery.
Expanding grassroots engagement with an online voting platform so residents can weigh in on council votes. Solving homelessness and creating affordable housing. Reducing armed policing and shifting budget to preventative social services.
QUALIFICATIONS I am a third generation Oaklander, and small business owner who has created hundreds of jobs for Oaklanders, particularly formerly incarcerated people. I’ve helped nonprofits, foundations, and the City reduce violence, improve job training, and provide opportunities for low-income youth.
Poor leadership has left us floundering while surrounding communities flourish. Oakland is crime riddled and overtaxed with very few services and no accountability. I’m running to give the residents a voice.
TOP PRIORITIES 1) COVID health and economic recovery 2) Housing and Homelessness 3) Racial justice and equality
2) Removal of illegal additions to the Charter and repayment of funds. 3) At-Large is the bridge ensuring city services and resources are equally accessible to all districts.
Page 4
November 3, 2020 Election Easy Voter Guide
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 (Six candidates) Carroll Fife
Lynette Gibson McElhaney
Seneca Scott
Meron Semedar
Alexus Taylor
Faye Taylor
Occupation: Nonprofit Director Age: 43 Website: carrollfife.org
Occupation: Oakland City Councilmember Age: 52 Website: lynetteforoakland.com
Occupation: Small Business Owner Age: 41 Website: senecafor oaklandd3.com
Occupation: Educator Age: 34 Website: meronsemedar.org
Occupation: — Age: — Website: —
Occupation: Longshoreman Age: 73 Website: —
I hold a BA in Political Science from UC Berkeley and bring 20+ years business experience as a non-profit affordable housing provider to work toward solutions for our most pressing problems: jobs, housing, homelessness, safety, environment justice and COVID19 response.
Graduate Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor relations. Twenty years Labor movement experience, including East Bay Director for SEIU 1021. Founder of Oakhella and Bottoms Up Community Gardens. Oakland lover and community leader. Progressive pragmatist. Eight year D3 resident.
I’m a community organizer, social justice, human rights, refugee plight activist and educator. I hold a Civil Engineering degree and a Masters in International Studies from the University of San Francisco. District 3 has been my home for the past 7 years.
Candidate did not provide response.
I’ve done contracts negotiations for local 121. President of local 141 for a year. City of Oakland senior citizen advisory board as a parliamentarian. Was sent to Wisconsin to learn how to be a job evaluator for local 141.
1) Reducing the general purpose police budget by 50% to fund non-policing trauma-informed human services and violence prevention. 2) An Equitable COVID19 Relief & Recovery 3) Expanding and Improving Homelessness Response & Services
1) Clean and safe neighborhoods. Equitable, citywide approach to homeless encampments. Immediate cease and desist of unsanitary and unsafe conditions. 2) Community resilience via “Overgrow Oakland” food growing campaign. 3) Development with community intent and integration.
Divesting, reshaping our policing and redirecting funds to community services.
Candidate did not provide response.
Housing, stop them from closing McClymonds High School, getting Oakland employees their deserved minimum wage to equal to our neighboring cities.
QUALIFICATIONS With over 20 years of communityrooted experience, I have founded or led multiple organizations and understand how to build coalitions and help people to leverage their power to create the change needed for equity and justice.
TOP PRIORITIES COVID-19 has exacerbated existing inequities and further threatened basic human rights. I will lead the council in addressing the challenges of providing housing, living wage jobs and strong business, and a safe community for everyone.
Strong regulation on housing, stricter tenant protection and taxing corporations and developers. Providing shelter and a dignified treatment for our homeless population.
Easy Voter Guide
November 3, 2020 Election Page 5
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 7 (Five candidates)
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 5 (Three candidates) Noel Gallo
Zoe Lopez-Meraz
Richard Raya
Aaron Clay
Dr. Marcie Hodge
Robert “Bob” Jackson
Occupation: Oakland City Councilmember Age: 65 Website: noelgallo foroakland.com
Occupation: Former Medical Worker Age: 28 Website: zlm4oak.org
Occupation: Legal Educator Age: 23 Website: Santosraya.com
Occupation: Small Business Owner Age: 51 Website: Clay4d7.com
Occupation: Nonprofit Executive Director Age: 45 Website: hodge4 oakland2020.com
Occupation: Pastor, Housing Advocate Age: 74 Website: jacksonfor eastoakland.com
My lived experience and extensive outreach allow me to understand the root causes of the issues we are facing. My background in research and development across many fields has honed my thinking on a systems level and writing clear policy.
Through my time on Oakland’s Cultural Affairs Commission, my legal training, and my connection to the community (for example, through my job at Centro Legal de la Raza), I’ve gained the knowledge, passion, and drive to be an effective Councilmember.
My qualifications include my legal tenure, where I opened free clinics, represented individuals facing foreclosure, and counseled governments on redevelopment projects. Currently, I am a CEO of a solar energy company, an OUSD teacher, and board member of Youth UpRising.
I’m fortunate to have been given the opportunity to serve my community in a variety of ways. Chief among them is my tenure as Peralta Community College District Trustee and member of the City of Oakland Finance Committee.
I have lived in Oakland all of my life. I hold a Masters Degree and am pastor at the Acts Full Gospel Church. I am the founder of the Men Of Valor, the O.K. Program for youth, and the Oakland African American Chamber.
Accessible paths to affordable housing and ownership.
Broadly, we need to rectify our budget, and consequently, my three priorities are: improving city systems, reducing the police budget, and providing housing for all.
We need to provide all District 7 residents with a healthy home in a safe neighborhood through new opportunities and smart growth that benefits the community.
As councilmember I will establish vibrant communities where families thrive. Support the growth of local businesses that offer living wage jobs, increase the percentage of affordable housing, and fight for quality education.
1) To grow an economy that works for District 7.
QUALIFICATIONS I am the Oakland City Councilmember for District 5 and served on the Oakland Board of Education. I have strong community partnerships, public and private sector experience, and have led effective public policies. I am committed to Oakland.
TOP PRIORITIES A clean, safe and healthy city. Increased production of housing; combatting homelessness and displacement. Oakland businesses development; job creation and preservation; COVID-19 recovery and resiliency.
Restorative justice for youth and formerly incarcerated. Renewable energy development and jobs.
2) To find real solutions to housing affordability and homelessness. 3) To make the neighborhood and streets cleaner and safer.
Page 6
November 3, 2020 Election Easy Voter Guide
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 7 (Five candidates, continued)
CITY ATTORNEY (Two candidates)
A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF RANKED-CHOICE VOTING
Treva Reid
Eli Ferran
In November 2010, Oakland started using Ranked-Choice Voting in elections for city offices. Ranked-Choice Voting is not used in elections for county, state, or national offices.
Marchon Tatmon
Barbara Parker
Ranked-Choice Voting lets you rank a first-, second-, and third-choice candidate for one office. With Ranked-Choice Voting, if a candidate receives over 50% of the first-choice votes, then that candidate wins. Occupation: Community Engagement Strategist Age: 48 Website: ReidforOakland.com
Occupation: Government Affairs Manager Age: 35 Website: VoteMarchon.com
Occupation: Attorney Age: 41 Website: eliforoakland.com
Occupation: Oakland City Attorney Age: — Website: parkerforoakland.com
QUALIFICATIONS I’m a community leader, advocate, and overcomer. I’ve experienced many of the challenges our district faces. As Assemblymember Skinner’s Legislative Aide, a board member of organizations and professionally, I delivered equitable outcomes with sound judgement, strategic planning and community collaboration.
I’m an Oakland Budget Commissioner, Government Affairs Manager, 2018 Oakland Mayoral Candidate, Former Homeless Outreach Manager, Former Emergency Warming Shelter Manager; BA-Political Science, Masters in Public Administration, Doctorate Degree Student-Public Administration and Policy (2021).
During my tenure as a Deputy Oakland City Attorney, I assumed substantial responsibility in all areas of state and municipal codes and laws including alcohol nuisance abatement, tobacco, cabarets, public nuisance, gambling, building code, fire code, and inspection/ abatement warrants.
City Attorney for 9 years. Experience, integrity & professional judgment for critical decisions. My litigation and legal advisor skills saved millions & brought in millions more. I’ve fought for economic, environmental, racial, and social justice, and been watchdog for open, transparent government.
Three biggest issues Oakland faces and my priorities outside of COVID-19 and the economic downturn:
1) Protect vulnerable residents against all forms of injustice.
1) Being change force – protecting, advancing Oaklanders’ rights and wellbeing. 2) Protecting employee health and safety; preserving services, jobs affected by pandemic. 3) Providing top notch advice and counsel; being watchdog for open, fair government.
However, if no candidate receives over 50% of the first-choice votes, then the candidate with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated. For voters who ranked the eliminated candidate first, their votes then transfer to their secondchoice candidate. After this transfer, if there is still no candidate with over 50% of the votes, then the next candidate with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated. Votes for the eliminated candidate are transferred in the same way as before. The process repeats until one candidate receives over 50% of the votes. Voters are not required to rank three choices for each office. Voters should not rank the same candidate more than once, because that does not help the candidate. If a voter ranks one candidate as the voter’s first, second, and third choice, it is the same as if the voter leaves the second and third choice blank. Visit www.acvote.org/voting/rcv to learn more about Ranked-Choice Voting.
TOP PRIORITIES If elected as your Oakland City Council District 7 councilmember, I will continue to champion: 1) Housing Stability and Addressing Homelessness; 2) Public Safety and Community Vitality; 3) Economic Development and Living Wage/Family Sustaining Career Paths
Homelessness and affordable housing;
2) Combat unlawful evictions & tenant discrimination.
Equitable and Sustainable Economic Development;
3) Provide strong oversight & accountability around officer misconduct.
Violent Crime and Police reform.
CANDIDATE FORUMS The League of Women Voters of Oakland organizes candidate forums so that candidates can present their views to voters. These forums are nonpartisan, free, and open to the public. For the safety of candidates and attendees during the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s forums are being held online instead of in person. To see the forum schedule, register to attend forums, or watch forum recordings, visit my.lwv.org/california/oakland/candidate-forums.
Easy Voter Guide
November 3, 2020 Election Page 7
SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 3 (Five candidates)
SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 1 (Three candidates) Austin Dannhaus
Sam Davis
Stacy Thomas
Maiya Edgerly
Cherisse Gash
Mark Hurty
Occupation: Educator, Business Leader Age: 33 Website: austinforousd.com
Occupation: Education Analyst, Parent Age: 47 Website: SamDavisFor OaklandSchools.org
Occupation: Self-Employed Bookkeeper Age: 57 Website: StacyforOakland PublicSchools.org
Occupation: Non-Profit Executive Director Age: 31 Website: maiyaforoakland.com
Occupation: Parent Age: 43 Website: cherissegash.com
Occupation: Ed-tech Product Manager Age: 62 Website: markforoakland.com
Public school parent and former teacher, advocating for accountability, transparency and equity in our schools for 17 years. I have a degree in math and experience with education data, so I’m excited to analyze and balance the budget.
I am a twenty-year homeowner in North Oakland who loves this city. I know the benefit of a fun, safe, engaging, diverse public school education. I will work to ensure the best use of our funds for kids.
I founded and operated Onyx Scholars, a college readiness program for underserved students. I have over 10 years of resource development experience and aided thousands of students achieve post-high school success, including attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
As a proud mother of a 2020 OUSD graduate, I understand the persistence required to advocate for a quality education. As a multigenerational native and descendant of teachers, I’ve been a community organizer and life-long supporter of public education.
I’m a former special education teacher, parent of former OUSD students, and graduate of Oakland’s public schools. I’ve worked in education technology for several years and I have a certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University.
Educational equity: excellent education for every student regardless of race or special needs. Long-term stable budgeting, ending questionable financial practices. Decisionmaking starts with families and educators, since we know best what students need for success.
1) Hold the superintendent accountable for the hiring of principals and facilities management.
Increase college access programming to lessen racial disparities and achievement gaps. Ensure students and families’ voices are heard in implementing distance learning policies and procedures under COVID-19. Address mismanagement that has been documented in OUSD.
District budget financial accountability and transparency.
Assure that every student in Oakland reads at grade level by third grade.
QUALIFICATIONS I have unique experience as an educator and business owner that combines empathy with a proven ability to lead organizations, develop strategy, and manage finances. I’ve worked as an education policy advocate and currently teach with the Prison University Project.
TOP PRIORITIES Addressing financial waste and mismanagement at the Central office. Ending educational inequality by investing in our most at-risk students. Investing in teachers – the most important factor in a student’s education.
2) Stop closing our public schools. 3) Visit with schools and PTAs either via zoom or in person.
Investing in public education, creating a moratorium on wealthbiased, non-union charter schools; no more school closures. Eliminating the schoolto-prison pipeline to support, not suppress, our youth.
Develop a comprehensive plan to bridge the digital divide. Make the budget process student centered, community driven, transparent, and equitable.
Page 8
November 3, 2020 Election Easy Voter Guide
SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 3 (Five candidates, continued)
SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 5 (Four candidates)
Maximo Santana
VanCedric Williams
Leroy Gaines
Mike Hutchinson
Sheila Pope-Lawrence
Jorge Lerma
Occupation: Educator Age: 29 Website: santanafor oakland2020.com
Occupation: Teacher, Treasurer, Educator Age: 51 Website: vancedricwilliams.com
Occupation: Education Non-Profit Leader Age: 40 Website: leroygaines 4oakland.net
Occupation: Educator, Community Organizer Age: 47 Website: facebook.com /MikeHutchinson 4SchoolBoard
Occupation: Middle School Counselor Age: 54 Website: popelawrence.com
Occupation: Retired Educator Age: 70 Website: jorgeforoakland.com
As a 20-year teacher and Union Treasurer, I’ve audited school site, school district, and Teacher Union budgets. I have intricate knowledge of school operations, funding sources, school staffing, programming, facilities management, curriculum development, parent and community engagement, layoffs, and hiring.
I have real experience – 20 years in education and 10 years as a principal. I also produce real results. I received Oakland’s principal of the year award and transformed a high poverty, high need OUSD school into a California Distinguished School.
I was born, raised, and educated in Oakland. I worked with Oakland’s youth for 20 years. For the past eight years I have worked as a public education organizer and advocate, cofounded OPEN, and actively attended every School Board Meeting.
I have recently worked in OUSD as well as other school districts over the past 29 years and I know that with my leadership I will create systematic change to improve education for ALL students in Oakland.
I’ve dedicated my life to public education, first as a teacher for 30+ years and then as a principal and administrator for 10+ years in OUSD. I’m a bilingual and bicultural advocate for quality education and equity for all students.
My top three priorities are: 1) Budget Transparency and Accountability 2) Investing in Sustainable and FullService Community Schools 3) Strengthening reading, writing and literacy curriculum and expanding Ethnic Studies from K-12
Fiscal Solvency – We need to get the most out of every dollar.
End school closures and financial mismanagement, facilitate authentic community engagement where the community is included as partners and decision makers, create sustainable community schools so that every neighborhood has a quality public school.
1) Resolving the budget crisis so that the district is solvent,
My top 3 priorities are reforming the OUSD budget process, accelerating the hiring of Black and Latinx teachers and administrators to better represent the student body, and replacing standardized testing with student-centered assessment.
QUALIFICATIONS I’m an Oaklandbased educator who has been working in public, private, and nonprofit education for the last ten years. I bring my expertise in digital instruction, educational technology, and love for Oakland students to the OUSD school board.
TOP PRIORITIES Increasing transparency and accountability with OUSD financial dealings. Equip students and teachers with infrastructure to fulfill the promise of online school. Help families with barriers they may have to giving students a warm learning environment.
Early Literacy – It is the foundation of opportunity. Innovative Community Schools – The community is the engine to build a brighter future for Oakland.
2) Setting goals that will keep both the district and the board accountable, 3) Mandating curriculum that Ethnic studies and career pathway development start in elementary school.
Easy Voter Guide
November 3, 2020 Election Page 9
OTHER OFFICES
SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 7 (Five candidates) Kristina Molina
Ben Tapscott
Bronché Taylor
Dr. Clifford Thompson
Victor Javier Valerio
In this election, all Oakland voters will have these offices on their ballot: U.S. President U.S. House of Representatives, District 13
Occupation: Communications Coordinator Age: 45 Website: votekristinamolina.com
Occupation: Teacher, Administrator (retired) Age: 81 Website: coachtapscott.com
Occupation: Oakland PublicEducation Fund Age: 37 Website: Bronche4oakland.com
Occupation: 5th Grade Teacher Age: 66 Website: clif4 oaklandschools.org
Occupation: Transportation Project Engineer Age: 37 Website: valerioforoakland. nationbuilder.com
I’ve been a teacher, after school program coordinator, and community programs director and Vice Principal in OUSD. I have extensive experience in Oakland schools engaging with students, teachers, administrators, community and key stakeholders.
I’ve worked in the field of education for 40 years. I’ve been a teacher, assistant principal, principal, county coordinator of secondary school, and a college professor. I have two BAs, two MAs, and two doctorates. I understand teaching and learning.
I work as a project engineer ensuring completion and functionality via engineering and management on projects. Also, being a commissioner for the Independent Citizen Bond Oversight Committee for Measures A, B, and J, I have experience in community engagement.
QUALIFICATIONS I am a mother of four OUSD children, a youth mentor and activist in East Oakland for 25 years, providing full wrap-around public health, trauma relief, and educational resources to the most vulnerable women and children of East Oakland.
I was an educator for forty-two years. My career included: sixteen years of teaching, six years as an administrator, and twenty years as a college professor, and a public school advocate for fiftyfour years; and attended board meetings.
TOP PRIORITIES Transparency, Teacher Attrition, and Restoration must be addressed for parents to see the budget allocation and how we can make more equitable decisions for all students and reduce teacher attrition and student recidivism.
1) Safety at all school sites during and after the pandemic, and a healthy school environment for students, teachers and staff. 2) Financial accountability and transparency. 3) Improve reading proficiency in preschool and grades 1st through 3rd.
1) Decrease academic achievement gaps in OUSD and provide quality education. 2) Elevate student leadership and the community school model. Create parent, student, teacher committees. 3) Innovate policies, procedures and curriculums after implementing a districtwide evaluation.
My top three priorities will be academic excellence, equity, and fiscal management. This will bring all voices to the table, provide everyone the opportunity to be heard, while ensuring we have a financially sound board.
The school district needs: 1) Health and Safety Plan for emergencies; 2) increased student enrollment and revenue generation for fiscal solvency; 3) internal controls for best management practices on accountability, transparency and ethical oversight.
California Senate, District 9 Depending on where they live, some Oakland voters will have some of these offices on their ballot: California Assembly, District 15 California Assembly, District 18 Alameda County Superior Court, Seat 2 AC Transit Director, Ward 2 AC Transit Director, At-Large BART Director, District 7 Peralta Community College District Trustee, Area 1 You can learn more about the candidates for these offices at the Voter’s Edge California website (votersedge.org), which is produced by MapLight and the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund.
Page 10
November 3, 2020 Election Easy Voter Guide
CITY OF OAKLAND MEASURE QQ
CITY OF OAKLAND MEASURE RR
CITY OF OAKLAND MEASURE S1
Youth Vote (requires over 50% “yes” votes to pass)
Fine Limits (requires over 50% “yes” votes to pass)
Police Commission (requires over 50% “yes” votes to pass)
The way it is now: Oakland residents must be at least 18 years old to vote in elections.
The way it is now: The Oakland Municipal Code is a set of laws that are specific to Oakland. These laws are set by the Oakland City Council. People who break these laws can be fined. The Oakland City Charter sets a $1,000 maximum amount for these fines. The $1,000 limit has not been changed since 1968.
The way it is now: In 2016, Oakland voters passed Measure LL, which created the Oakland Police Commission. The Commission reviews the policies and practices of the Oakland Police Department and can recommend changes. The Commission’s investigative body, the Community Police Review Agency, investigates police misconduct and recommends discipline. Since 2016, questions have arisen about the Commission’s authority to independently hire and fire staff, particularly its Inspector General and legal advisors to the Commission and the Agency.
What Measure QQ would do: Measure QQ would enable the City Council to pass a law lowering the voting age to 16 for Oakland school board elections only. The age for voting for all other elected offices would remain 18. Financial effects: There would be no immediate financial effect. If the City Council passed a law to lower the voting age, it would cost between $7,000$10,000 in years when school board elections are held, according to current estimates. However, actual costs would depend upon the terms and implementation of the law passed by the City Council. People for Measure QQ say: • Measure QQ would allow the City Council to consider the benefits of allowing 16and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections. • Lowering the voting age in school board elections would increase overall voter participation by helping young people set lifelong voting habits. People against Measure QQ say: • People younger than 18 have little experience managing the complicated budgets and financing of the sort that school board directors will be considering. • There are other ways to improve voter participation among young adults.
What Measure RR would do: Measure RR would remove the Charter language setting the $1,000 limit on these fines. The City Council would be able to set a new limit for these fines. The City Council would be required to hold a public hearing to set a new limit. Financial effects: There would be no direct financial effects. People for Measure RR say: • An updated fine limit is overdue since the $1,000 limit has not been changed since 1968. • Oakland needs to be able to set fines high enough to discourage people from breaking its laws such as those against illegal dumping. People against Measure RR say: • Measure RR would allow Oakland to set unlimited fines.
What Measure S1 would do: Measure S1 would resolve questions about the Commission’s authority. It would establish an Office of Inspector General. It would confirm the Commission’s authority to independently hire and fire the Inspector General and legal advisors to the Commission and the Agency. Financial effects: Measure S1 would authorize additional staffing, particularly the positions of legal advisors. The City Council is required to provide adequate funding for that staffing and the Commission’s operations in general. Those costs will appear in the City’s 2021-2023 budget. People for Measure S1 say: • Measure S1 will allow the Oakland Police Commission to staff positions that are critical to its effectiveness. People against Measure S1 say: • No argument has been filed in opposition to Measure S1.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OAKLAND BALLOT MEASURES Is your community group looking for unbiased information about Oakland ballot measures? Trained representatives of the League of Women Voters of Oakland are eager to speak to schools, churches, companies, neighborhood associations, and other groups. Presentations offer opposing points of view so that voters can make up their own minds. To inquire about a presentation, contact us at lwvvoterservice@gmail.com.
Easy Voter Guide
November 3, 2020 Election Page 11
OUSD MEASURE Y
COUNTY OF ALAMEDA MEASURE W
CALIFORNIA MEASURES
School Facilities Bond (requires over 55% “yes” votes to pass)
Alameda County Sales Tax (requires over 50% “yes” votes to pass)
In this election, all Oakland voters will have these state propositions on their ballot:
The way it is now: The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) needs money to repair and improve school facilities. The district estimates these repairs and improvements would cost about $3.4 billion, according to its Facilities Master Plan.
The way it is now: Homelessness in Alameda County has doubled in the last four years. There are now about 8,000 homeless people in Alameda County.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, OUSD needs money to upgrade classrooms and technology to provide for social distancing and online instruction. What Measure Y would do: Measure Y would allow OUSD to sell up to $735 million in bonds. By selling bonds, OUSD would get up to $735 million to spend on school facilities projects over several years. Some projects would be for specific schools. Other projects, such as repairing bathrooms and electrical systems, are needed at schools throughout the district. The school board’s facilities committee would decide when each project happens. A citizens’ oversight committee would review projects before and after they are undertaken to make sure money is used the way it’s supposed to be. Measure Y funds would be audited every year. Financial effects: To repay the bonds, OUSD would increase Oakland property taxes. The bonds would not be sold all at once, so taxes would not increase all at once. When all the bonds have been sold, property taxes would go up by about $60 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed value. This means that if the county assessor says a property is worth $300,000, the property owner will pay $180 in additional tax for Measure Y. The tax increase for Measure Y bonds would last until all the bonds are repaid, around the year 2049. OUSD has sold other bonds in the past, and those bonds will be repaid between 2025 and 2041. As bonds are repaid, taxes end, and total taxes go down that year. People for Measure Y say: • Measure Y will fund major repairs to fix deteriorating classrooms, bathrooms, plumbing, faulty electrical systems, air conditioning, and leaky roofs. • Measure Y will upgrade technology for distance learning and revamp classrooms and facilities to keep students and staff socially distanced during the pandemic. People against Measure Y say: • Bonds are a bad way to pay for school repairs. • Taxes are already too high.
Several funding sources pay for services to help people avoid or overcome homelessness. One of these sources is the county’s general fund. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for services. The pandemic has also decreased the available funding to meet those needs. The sales tax in most of Alameda County, including Oakland, is 9.25%. What Measure W would do: Measure W would increase the sales tax in Alameda County by half a percent (0.5%) for the next 10 years. The tax would raise about $150 million every year. Money from the tax would go into the general fund, where it could be used for any lawful purpose. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors has said that it would use the money to help the homeless by providing housing, mental health services, job training, and a social safety net. A citizens’ oversight committee would review how the money gets spent.
Proposition 14 Stem Cell Research Proposition 15 Commercial Property Taxes Proposition 16 Public Agency Diversity Proposition 17 Voting Rights for Former Prisoners Proposition 18 Voting Rights for 17-Year-Olds Proposition 19 Property Tax Rules Proposition 20 Criminal Penalties and Parole Proposition 21 Local Governments and Rent Control Proposition 22 Rideshare/Delivery Drivers
Financial effects: The sales tax would increase to 9.75% in Oakland starting April 1, 2021 and ending March 31, 2031.
Proposition 23 Kidney Dialysis Clinics
Alameda County would have an additional $150 million every year to spend on essential county services.
Proposition 24 Consumer Privacy Laws
People for Measure W say: • Measure W will help people who are homeless as well as people who are at risk of becoming homeless, and expand shelter and street-based assistance. • The county must do all it can to reduce homelessness.
Proposition 25 Replacing Cash Bail
People against Measure W say: • Sales taxes put the biggest burden on individuals most affected by the current economic crisis. • The money from the sales tax could end up being spent on other things besides homelessness.
You can learn more about these propositions with the California Easy Voter Guide (easyvoterguide.org), which is produced by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and the California State Library.
Page 12 ABOUT THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS Founded in 1920, the League of Women Voters is a national nonprofit organization. It includes over 800 state, regional, and local Leagues. The League of Women Voters of Oakland is one of the largest of California’s local Leagues. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for elective office. Our members: • Encourage informed and active participation in government; • Work to increase understanding of major public policy issues; and • Influence public policy through education and advocacy.
WHY SHOULD I JOIN? Through participation in League projects, you will: Contribute valuable service to the community; Gain knowledge and experience through the study and discussion of timely and important topics; Discover new interests, develop new skills, and learn about crucial issues in your community; and Make professional contacts and develop lasting friendships as you meet others in the League who share your interests.
JOIN TODAY League membership is open to women and men 16 years of age and older. Call our office at (510) 834-7640 or e-mail us at membership@lwvoakland.org and we will send you a membership form. Or, you can join online: my.lwv.org/california/oakland/join Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/lwvoak And follow us on Twitter: @LWV_Oakland Visit lwvoakland.org for more information.
November 3, 2020 Election
Easy Voter Guide