Oakland voters hear from 8 mayoral candidates as special election nears
Oakland voters will head to the polls next month to select a new mayor in a special election, following the recall of the former Mayor Sheng Thao. Eight candidates are vying for the position.
On Saturday, roughly 100 to 150 people gathered at Allen Temple Baptist Church in East Oakland for a mayoral candidate forum.
Attendees came to hear directly from the candidates about their policies and vision for the city's future.
"To find out what their policies are," said Cecilia Cunningham, an Oakland voter and forum attendee.
While some voters have already made up their minds about their preferred candidate, others, like Cunningham, are still keeping an open mind.
"Right now, I'm really undecided," Cunningham shared.
But she is certain the next mayor must fix public safety and homelessness.
Cunningham, like many other attendees, expressed concerns about crime in the city, stating, "It's too dangerous out there at night, too much going on."
At the forum, many voters suggested that the race for mayor is largely between former Congresswoman Barbara Lee and former Oakland Councilman Loren Taylor.
"Right now, what Oakland needs is fresh energy, a perspective of someone who's been on the ground, in community, solving our toughest problems, bringing real results. That's what I've been up to," Taylor said.
Taylor also emphasized that he would make independent decisions and not be swayed by special interests.
On the other hand, Lee, who has decades of public service experience, expressed her desire to bring people together to solve the city's most pressing issues.
"I want to use my leverage and my experience and the ability to bring people together not just to talk, but to solve the problems of Oakland," Lee said.
For some voters, the two-and-a-half-hour forum provided greater clarity on where the candidates stand. However, many said they would continue to research the candidates before casting their votes.
"I just want Oakland to be the amazing city that I grew up in. I was always very proud to be a part of Oakland. I really hope that this next mayor is someone who can help reignite that passion," said Ayana Labossiere, another Oakland voter.
Cunningham, who was still undecided, mentioned that four candidates had impressed her, but wasn't ready to make a final decision.
"We are going through a crisis, but I feel that we will overcome," she added.
The special election will take place on April 15.