KQED's Forum 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.
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Lee's Motivation vs. Dellums
- Barbara Lee contrasts her mayoral run with Ron Dellums's, highlighting her proactive desire for the position.
- Dellums reluctantly took on the mayoral role, unlike Lee's enthusiastic pursuit.
Progressive Mayoral Values
- Being a progressive mayor means reflecting Oakland's values, like safety, a balanced budget, and addressing homelessness.
- These values resonate across the political spectrum, emphasizing shared goals despite differing approaches.
Addressing Oakland's Budget Issues
- Oakland should prioritize increasing revenue through measures like collecting fees, fines, and permits.
- Cuts to essential city services should be a last resort, and a forensic audit can identify areas for saving.