The measure would restructure Oakland’s government to make the mayor the executive in charge of city departments and operations with the power to veto legislation and parts of the city budget. The council could override a veto with six votes. Measure EE would require council members to work full time and create a process to set new salaries accordingly. The council would get an independent budget and analyst’s office. Passes with a majority vote.
Yes Argument
Oakland’s current hybrid form of government is confusing and ineffective. An independent task force researched the City Charter and concluded that shifting executive power from the unelected city administrator to the mayor will increase oversight and accountability. It will make clear who is responsible for delivering results, making city government more responsive to constituents and reducing delays. Oakland needs a mayor empowered to make change and disrupt the status quo.
No Argument
This is a power grab for the mayor’s office. Even if the current mayor can be trusted with expanded authority, future mayors may not be. There is a risk to concentrating more power in the position. Council pay raises will aggravate the city’s existing fiscal crisis.
Key Supporters
In Support
- Rowena Brown, City Council member, Oakland
- Carroll Fife, City Council member, Oakland
- Kevin Jenkins, City Council president, Oakland
- Barbara Lee, mayor, Oakland
- Charlene Wang, City Council member, Oakland
In Opposition
- Noel Gallo, City Council member, Oakland
- Ken Houston, City Council member, Oakland
- Janani Ramachandran, City Council member, Oakland
- Loren Taylor, former City Council member, Oakland
- Zac Unger, City Council member, Oakland