Full Recap: Candidates for District 5 Council seat face off

Candidates for District 5 Council seat face off

The four candidates running for the City Council seat representing District 5 left vacant by Ignacio De La Fuente squared off earlier this evening at the Fruitvale-San Antonio Senior Center, 3301 E. 12^th St.

The debate, sponsored by the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, was the fourth in a series of six debates to introduce the candidates for City Council and City Attorney positions who are running for office in the November election.

The District 5 face-off, held in front of nearly 65 potential voters and business leaders, was moderated by Paul Junge, the Chamber’s Vice President and Director of Public Policy. The candidates were presented with a series of questions by a two-person panel – David Tucker, municipal affairs manager at Waste Management of Alameda County; and Kerry Hamill, manager of government and community relations for BART.

The four candidates vying for the City Council District 5 seat are Shelly Garza, Noel Gallo, Mario Juarez and Dawn McMahan. The candidates answered a myriad of questions regarding policy positions and shared meaningful exchanges regarding current and potential issues.

A hot topic on all of the Chamber’s debates for City Council spots has been public safety, and that topic continued to be on the front burner in Fruitvale. “Yes, we need more police,” said Gallo. “If we agree that public safety is our number one priority, we’re going to have to pay for it.”

Juarez, a local business owner, insisted that more police could be hired with a user fee at Oakland International Airport, which is run by the Port of Oakland. “If we charge $7.95 per person,” he said, “do the math. We’ll bring in $111 million.”

McMahan, the creator of the Phoenix Rising Homeless Project and other nonprofits, called Fruitvale “a war zone,” and said that she sometimes must go to sleep while hearing the sounds of gunfire.

Garza describes herself as a government insider and insists that the next City Councilmember must implement partnerships. “Together we can be the solution” she said.

The candidates also discussed investing in the arts, education, economic development, and working together to create a welcoming environment in which to do business. Garza, in fact, went a step further, saying that she wants Fruitvale to be an Oakland destination.

The Chamber’s candidate debates continue tomorrow, Wednesday, August 29, with a face-off for the At-Large Council seat at 6:30 p.m. at Kaiser Auditorium, 300 Lakeside Drive in downtown Oakland.

Thanks for Joining Us

Live blogging #oakdebates | 8:01pm

That’s all folks! The debate has ended with a large round of applause for the all of the candidates and their efforts.

Full Debate Schedule

Tonight’s District 5 debate is the fourth of six debates in this series. The full schedule is posted below; all debates are FREE and begin at 6:30pm. 

See you tomorrow night for more live blogging at the At-Large Councilmember Debate, or join us in person at the Kaiser Center (300 Lakeside Drive.) on Wednesday, August 29. Opening statements begin at 6:30pm.

What do you think of the discussion?

Let us know your comments by following the event on Twitter tonight @oaklandchamber and using the tag #oakdebates.

Closing Statements

LIve Blogging #oakdebates | 8pm

Candidates have 1 minute to make a closing statement.

Candidate Juarez wants to “bring innovation” and believes that “government can do better” and wants to “resolve the issues of safety” and mentions that Sandre Swanson has endorsed him. Candidate McMahan says that she “became a candidate almost two weeks ago” she wants to take the work that she does to a “larger level” and she wants to innovative ways to ‘deal with gang violence’ in Oakland. Candidate Garza says that she isn’t “promising the sun and the moon to get endorsements” and then says that she has the support of Councilmembers De La Fuente and Brooks. She says that “together” the District can change. Finally Candidate Gallo says that we need to “be serious and take action” and “we need to be responsible” and “govern crime rather than have crime govern us.” Emphasizes his focus on education and looks forward to “serving” the district and the City of Oakland as a whole.

On the cost of Fire Inspections

Live blogging #oakdebates | 7:53pm

Gallo:  have to “revisit that issues with the city administrator” this needs to be fixed.

Juarez: Says that “as a business owner” this has made him “want to close the door when he sees a fire truck” – he will “deal with this” saying “it has to go.”

McMahan:  says that this “tax is a lot of money” also wants people that have outstanding parking tickets in the city to not have to pay instead “wants them to do community service instead.”

Garza: Does not support the high cost and frequency of the fire inspections. Says that a clearer permit process would improve this, and would encourage small businesses to “stay” in Oakland.

Closing statements coming next!

On Public Nuisance Issues in District 5

LIve Blogging #oakdebates | 7:47pm

--Ed Note: Audience Question, lots of public nuisance issues listed as examples--

McMahan: says that the area has lots of problems and that they all relate to “drug use” want to take a rehab (treatment) approach to the nuisance issues.

Garza: says that this is her “pet peeve” and will work to correct the issues as possible.   

Gallo:  has “zero tolerance” for graffiti, illegal dumping and other public nuisances.  Have to “not tolerate it but instead put an end to it.”

Juarez: says that OPD officers have helped with these issues. He wants to bring back the  “PSO and walking, [beat] officers” in the District.

On Oakland’s Business Climate

Live Blogging #oakdebates | 7:39pm

Juarez: says that “yes” Oakland is ‘open for business’.

McMahan: we should “invest in the arts” but the Occupy Movement and the perception of safety has made it a real challenge to do business here.

Garza: wants “District 5 to be a destination”  to do business in.

Gallo: agrees, but cautions that business owners and residents are “our customers” and should be treated as such. Says that we need to consider what our “regional position is” and keep manufacturing here (or work with our trade partners in China).

On Raising City Revenue

Live Blogging #oakdebates | 7:34pm

Gallo: supports a progressive tax and a ‘comprehensive economic development strategy.”

Juarez: we should “create a climate of safety first” and points again to the Airport user fee idea for raising revenue.

McMahan: is used to doing “big events on a shoestring budget” and says that it is possible to be creative to raise revenue.

Garza: wants to streamline the permit process (make it bilingual and online) to grow “retain and bring in big business in Oakland.”

On Hiring Police + Public Safety

Live Blogging #oakdebates | 7:29pm

Garza: right now we have to “work with what we have.” Points to leveraging private security to improve safety on the business corridors, says ‘partnerships’ are key.

Gallo: believes that we “need more officers” and we “need to pay for them.” Might have to use a ‘parcel’ or a business tax to fund it.

Juarez: we should “try new methods” wants to increase the number of officers, but we should look to “other cities” for solutions. Says that he proposes user fees on the Oakland Airport travelers, says that it has worked in New York.

McMahan: doesn’t want “cops dying on her watch” she also doesn’t want them  [the cops] to “kill innocent people either.” Mentions Prop Y, doesn’t say if she is pro or con.

Audience Questions

Live Blogging #oakdebates | 7:17pm

A series of questions are now coming from the audience. Candidates are asked how they would serve with respect to representation most candidates answer that they will both be collaborative with other districts and serve the residents of District 5. 

**Lots of chair shuffling to improve microphone equality **

(Debate Midpoint Reached)

On Improving Public Safety + Gang Injunctions

Live Blogging #oakdebates | 7:21pm

Juarez: does not believe in gang injunctions, says they are “costly and not effective.”

McMahan: is also against the gang injunctions, says that its part of the “us against them mentality” and queries the audience on “how Is the drug war going?” ends with saying a more “innovative approach” is required.

Garza: says that she is “between it” has met many people [former gang members] that have “changed their life” and the policy doesn’t work for them anymore. She wants something that “works for everyone.”

Gallo: says that we will “either be serious about safety or we are not” points out that seniors in the neighborhoods are unable to “enjoy their retirement” because of violence in the District. Gallo says that he “supports injunctions for violent offenders” and needs “all the tools possible to give to law enforcement” to improve safety in Oakland and that the “time for excuses is over.”

On Curfews

Live Blogging #oakdebates | 7:09pm 

Shelly Garza: says that she “needs more information” before making a decision.

Noel Gallo: supports curfews. Says its good for kids so they can “focus more on their studies.”  

Dawn McMahan: Wants to consider children that might “not have lights on in their home” says that midnight basketball might   

Mario Juarez: curfew shouldn’t be “enforced by OPD” instead it should be “enforced by OUSD police force” thinks that a “curfew center” might be a good solution to “find out what is really happening at home.”

On Top Priorities

Live Blogging #oakdebates | 7:04pm

Candidates are asked to state a top priority (if elected) they will work on:

Mario Juarez: Wants to work with the schools and improve education.

Shelly Garza: says that her “top priority is public safety”. Cites private security and keys to safe streets that will then lead to positive economic development.

Noel Gallo: supports cease fire and curfews, and more police officers on the street.  Gallo also wants to work on ‘citizenship’ with Oakland public school kids.

Dawn McMahan: Wants in “encourage innovative thinking” for developing community based solutions.  

On Economic Development + Job Creation

Live Blogging #oakdebates | 6:59pm

Shelly Garza: says that she has already “provided an economic engine for this district” points to her work in small businesses.

Dawn McMahan: Wants in improve the role of non-profit organizations in job development.

Noel Gallo: wants to make it “a welcoming friendly environment” for business, creating growth can be achieved by supporting local business that is already here, and encouraging manufacturing and technology to open in the District. 

Mario Juarez: Currently is working on “operating a biodiesel project in West Oakland” to achieve this he says that his firm did this by basically, “avoiding the city of Oakland” [in the permitting process]. He wants to preserve industrial areas in Oakland, because it’s the “agent that drives growth.”

On Collaboration with other Councilmember Colleagues

Live blogging #oakdebates | 6:54pm

Shelly Garza: says that she has already “worked with the city council” points to her work protecting lunch truck merchants, and installing lights in the district. She wants to start by “hitting the ground running.”

Dawn McMahan: says she is “not a politician and has no political experience” her approach will instead be collaborative. Says that intelligence is key to working together.

Noel Gallo: Points to his successful work on the school board with  many diverse colleagues, Oakland has been “most improved district” in the last 7 years.

Mario Juarez: Asks for the question to be repeated, (ED note: there is a discussion about using the mics, a sharing solution is worked out). After a pause mentions the “great opportunity” with the Council turning over, says that it is a priority to work on “public safety” it should be “number one.”

Opening Statements + Early Questions

Each candidate is given two minutes to make an opening statement.

Candidate Shelly Garza is native of Oakland has been “taking notes for 16 years”  on what people need in District 5. Garza cites her experience as a chief of staff to a council member, and as an executive assistant to “two city managers” currently she is a small business owner in the Fruitvale and wants to “listen” and be a “responsive leader.”

Candidate Noel Gallo thanks the Unity Council for “creating this incredible facility” and commends nearby Arise High School as a great place for learning. He is running because after 19 years on the Oakland School Board he is ready to “serve.” Gallo states that he “knows how it works on the inside when it comes to implementing policy” and says that it would be “an honor to serve the City.”

Candidate Dawn McMahan has lived in Fruitvale for a long time, and “comes the debate as a public servant.” McMahan points to her ‘extensive experience” in conflict resolution.

Finally Candidate Mario Juarez ‘grew up in this district’ and is a local business person and has ‘employed many Oaklanders.’ He knows what it is to “bring collaboration” across departments and is shocked that “we aren’t more incensed with the current leadership.” He wants to focus on education.

Candidates for Oakland District 5 will Debate Tonight in Fruitvale

The four candidates for Oakland’s District 5 City Council Seat debate tonight in an open forum at the Fruitvale-San Antonio Senior Center, located in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland.  The debate, produced by the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee will start at 6:30pm.  Paul Junge, the Chamber’s Vice-President and Director of Public Policy will moderate, and the candidates will be presented with a series of questions by a two-person panel – David Tucker, municipal affairs manager at Waste Management of Alameda County; and Kerry Hamill, manager of government and community relations for BART. Questions will also be solicited from the audience.

The boundaries of District 5 encompass a portion of the diverse East Oakland area, including the Glenview and Fruitvale neighborhoods and parts of the estuary waterfront, Dimond District and Jingletown. There are seven council districts total in Oakland, and one at-large member for a total of eight seats. There are no term limits for the city council members. In fact, long time Oakland politician Ignacio De La Fuente has held the District 5 seat since 1992, for nearly 20 full years (5 consecutive terms).

Oakland Council District 5 Debate Begins, Four Candidates Discuss the Issues

Program Starts

A group of about 55 are in the audience tonight, in the Fruitvale/San Antonio Senior Center adjacent to the Fruitvale BART station. It is unknown whom departing Councilmember De La Fuente will show his support for at this time, and with ranked choice voting, an incumbent’s support may prove to be less crucial to electoral success. The candidates are settled on the dais and the opening statements will be underway in about 10 minutes. 

Inside Info for District 5 City Council Debate Tonight

Candidates for Oakland District 5 City Council Seat will Debate Tonight in Fruitvale

The four candidates for Oakland’s District 5 City Council Seat will debate tonight in an open forum at the Fruitvale- San Antonio Senior Center, located in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland.  The debate, produced by the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee starts at 6:30pm and is free to attend. Doors open at 6pm, and questions will be solicited from the audience.

The boundaries of District 5 encompass the diverse East Oakland area, including the Glenview and Fruitvale neighborhoods and portions of the estuary waterfront, Dimond District and Jingletown. The District is sometimes characterized on the council as predominately Latino (as compared to other Oakland council districts) however, when examined more closely it appears to be quite diverse ethnically.

The role of the Oakland City Council is to be an elected governing body representing the City of Oakland. There are seven council districts in Oakland, and one at-large member for a total of eight seats. If needed, the Mayor serves as the tie breaking vote. Since 1998, Oakland has had a strong mayor form of government. The mayor is elected for a four-year term and council members serve staggered four-year terms. Oakland's Mayor is subject to a tenure limited to two terms. There are no term limits for the city council members.

The job of council member for District 5 has been most recently held by Ignacio De La Fuente, for nearly 20 full years (5 consecutive terms). First elected to the Oakland City Council in 1992, he served as the chair of the Council's Economic and Community Development Committee until January 1999. De La Fuente then became the first Council member to serve as Council President, and held the post of Vice Mayor from 2009-2011. Mr. De La Fuente is stepping down at this end of this term (Dec ember 2012) to concentrate on his campaign for the At-Large Council seat for Oakland.  Most recently, Councilmember De La Fuente has chaired the influential Finance & Management Committee of the council.

Many political consultants consider this year unique for the Oakland City Council in that it will have at least three new council members after the November election, a turnover unseen for 16 years. The existing council is characterized as having “fractious dynamics” and even some seated council members themselves are excited for a chance to change the tone of the conversation.

This debate will likely cover (but won’t be limited to) several critical issues concerning the Fruitvale part Oakland, including economic development, gang injunctions, jobs, pensions and crime. What do you think are the biggest issues facing District 5 in the next four years? Please attend and submit a question for the candidates. Or let us know your comments by following the event on Twitter tonight @oaklandchamber and using the tag #oakdebates.

Candidate Backgrounds (Alphabetical by First Name)

Dawn McMahan

Dawn McMahan is the founder and Executive Artistic Director of the Pythia Arts Foundation, and the creator of the Phoenix Rising Homeless Project, and the Oak Tree Arts Center in East Oakland. Ms. McMahan lives in District 5 and is a guest lecturer in the Merritt College business program. She holds degrees from the Merritt College Community Social Services/Substance Abuse Counseling Program, and the University of Southern California.

Mario Juarez

Mario Juarez has been a District 5 resident since he was a youth.  Mr. Juarez owns Mario Juarez Real Estate and has been recognized by the Pinnacle Award for Sales from the Bay East Association of Realtors in 2009, 2010, and 2011. He also currently serves on the City of Oakland Workforce Investment Board. Mr. Juarez has been a member of the Unity Council Board of Directors, City of Oakland Parks and Recreation Commission, and Hispanic Chamber Commerce of Alameda County.

Noel Gallo 

Noel Gallo grew up in the Fruitvale/San Antonio District neighborhoods. Mr. Gallo was elected to the Oakland Board of Education in 1992 and has lead 6 successful education funding campaigns, generating over a $1 billion dollars for schools. Under his tenure, the Oakland Public Schools has been voted  the most improved school district in the state of California for the past 7 years. He currently works as Regional Director with Ray & Associates leading Superintendent Searches for School Districts throughout the country. Mr. Gallo holds a graduate Business Degree from University of California, Berkeley.

Shelly Garza

Shelly Garza has been a City of Oakland employee for 11 years, and is a single mother of 5. Ms. Garza is also the General Manager of a Micro Business Incubator center in District 5.

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Chamber Support

The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (OMCC) public policy committee does not endorse political candidates, but there is a separate political action committee OakPAC that does.  For more information on OakPAC, please contact Paul Junge, OakPAC Executive Director at pjunge@oaklandchamber.com 

Full Debate Schedule

Tonight’s District 5 debate is the fourth of six debates in this series. The full schedule is posted below; all debates are FREE and begin at 6:30pm.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend.