What would you do with $150K?
“Steph Walton has criticized some of Dan Kalb’s contributors, an independent expenditure committee [like a superPAC] is supporting Walton, and Tri Ngo is refusing large contributions altogether.” “In the 2014, 2016, and 2018 elections, over half of all political contributions in Oakland came from just four ZIP codes. One of those was 94618, where both Walton and Kalb live.” – Oaklandside October 5 The other candidates for District 1 have accepted nearly $150,000 in donations, Steph Walton is accepting more. I have accepted less than $8,000, all from individual donors like you. Who do you trust, as an independent voter, to represent your interests in the Oakland City Council? The fundamental problem with our democracy right now is that money buys speech.A recent report, “Race for Power,” published by the City of Oakland Public Ethics Commission, noted the vast majority of individual campaign donations come from a small group of residents from wealthy neighborhoods. |
According to the report, “elected officials are more responsive to donors’ interests and priorities than voters, and that non-constituent donors have more influence on policymakers than constituent non-donors.”
Who do you want to represent you? I am the only candidate to voluntarily limit my contributions to $35 per person. Fundamental to our campaign is an effort to increase the voice of those who are underrepresented in District 1 and throughout the city. My focus is on solving homelessness, housing for all, and revamping public safety. |