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Oakland Mayor’s Race: Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee on Why Leadership Matters
Mar 31, 2025
Barbara Lee, a longtime East Bay Congresswoman and candidate for Oakland mayor, shares her vision for the city amid its upcoming election. She emphasizes the need for effective leadership and collaboration to unite Oakland and tackle challenges like public safety and affordable housing. Lee discusses her Congressional experience, focusing on building partnerships between labor and business to foster economic stability. She advocates for community engagement, transparency in governance, and revitalizing the city's image to address pressing urban issues.
57:47
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Quick takeaways
- Barbara Lee underscores the significance of leadership in uniting Oakland to effectively tackle its pressing issues, including budget shortfalls and public safety.
- Lee prioritizes a strategic approach to homelessness, advocating for both immediate assistance and long-term solutions to address root causes and prevent future crises.
Deep dives
Barbara Lee's Vision for Oakland's Leadership
Barbara Lee emphasizes the need for effective leadership to address the significant challenges facing Oakland, such as divisiveness and budget issues. Her experience in Congress has equipped her with the skills needed to unite various factions within the community and leverage relationships to drive change. Lee asserts that her endorsement by multiple city council members reflects her capacity to foster collaboration from day one. She believes it is essential for Oakland to have a leader who is prepared to tackle its crisis while recognizing opportunities for growth.
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