I felt called to run for Council in this election, at this particular time in history.

Because it is time for US, as Oaklanders, and as members of this community, District 5, the Fruitvale, San Antonio, Glenview and Dimond neighborhoods to have INCLUSIVE representation.

I was born here.  I graduated from Fremont High School.  I attended college here, and earned a Master's equivalency certificate in community development.

In my twenties and early thirties, I worked as Chief of Staff for Wilson Riles, Jr., who served as Councilmember for District 5 for many years and has been a mentor to me.

I have worked for non-profits in a volunteer and consulting capacity including Oakland CAN, Education not Incarceration, ACORN, and many others.

For many years, I worked with Chappell Hayes, a great Oakland leader whose wife, Nancy Nadel, is a current Councilmember.

I have seen Oaklanders do some great things, and I have seen them supported, and NOT supported, by City government.  I have heard people, especially people who do not live here or just moved here, say "Oakland, what potential, what a shame." 

I am proud of Oakland.  Oakland's people have the creative energy and bootstraps enthusiasm to do whatever we want and need to do. 

It's time for Oaklanders energy to be supported by their government. 

It is time for a new generation of leadership.  And that does not mean ME, that means US.

It means your council office listening to YOU.   My job as Councilmember will be to bring my best thinking, my best energy, the lessons of my mentors, and my knowledge of Oakland's government, to channel your energy to make Oakland everything it CAN be.

Thanks for listening.  I look forward to listening to YOU.