Ask the Candidates

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From Fruitvale to Rockridge, Oakland North reporters spoke recently to residents about the city council elections. We asked everyone the same question: If you could speak directly to the candidates, what would you like to know? We delivered the most frequent of the residents’ questions, in person to the seven candidates for the District 1 City Council seat. Their edited answers, one question at a time, will appear in Oakland North every week between now and Election Day.
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Richard Raya

“Our city is on the brink of becoming a thriving center of commerce--if we can come together to focus on progress, not just potential."

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How will you bring jobs to Oakland?
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Leonard Raphael

“I have come to dislike flag waving of any kind, left or right when it is used to divert attention from incompetence or worse."

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How will you bring jobs to Oakland?
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Spending money on high-priced consultants and economic development is a waste. Instead of spending money on new business, Oakland needs to invest in public safety and education, and reduce its business tax to the rate of Berkeley, San Leandro, Hayward and Walnut Creek. Increasing public safety and improving education will attract businesses to Oakland. A safer city will attract employers, and a better educated workforce will attract higher paying, better jobs. A more competitive business tax policy will keep businesses from passing over Oakland in favor of San Francisco or neighboring East Bay cities. Oakland also needs to invest in high speed internet availability the way San Leandro has with its recently installed dark fibre network. This is a huge factor for businesses looking for a place to settle, and Oakland has fallen behind other cities in this kind of connectivity.

Dan Kalb

“I am firmly committed to earning your respect and restoring trust and confidence in City Hall."

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How will you bring jobs to Oakland?
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Amy Lemley

“I will focus on the core responsibilities of city government and tackle our challenges with creativity, persistence and pragmatism."

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How will you bring jobs to Oakland?
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Donald Macleay

“Nobody is going to give us a reformed Oakland; we need to make it ourselves."

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How will you bring jobs to Oakland?
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Craig Brandt

“What I am good at is setting priorities, developing a plan, and then executing it."

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How will you bring jobs to Oakland?
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Gordon 'Don' Link

“Effectiveness requires focusing on the goal and not the personalities."

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How will you bring jobs to Oakland?
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