Election for Office of Mayor of Oakland is Nearing. Be informed!!

It is an election year! I hope everyone has registered to vote. I personally consider voting a privilege. I take casting a ballot very seriously. I have not missed voting since I was old enough to do so. That has been a while ago!

This year, Oakland has two people vying for the office of mayor. The candidates are Ted Beckner, current Mayor of Oakland, and Dan Jacobs, a member of the Oakland City Council.

I am not writing to sway anyone’s vote. I am writing this column to share some insights with my readers on the important issues to consider when voting.

I wonder how many citizens of Oakland have looked at the budget the city puts into place each year? I am sure everyone is aware the city operates on a budget, and each department has a certain amount of money allotted to them for necessary expenses.

Since I served on the city council in the past, I am aware of how a budget works. Prior to that, I will honestly say I did not pay attention to a budget or what the city council was even doing.

If that describes you, please change your ways. Your tax dollars are what keeps Oakland running. If you want to see the budget, just go to the Oakland City Office and ask for a copy. The new budget will be in place October 1st. This will show you what each department is spending. I strongly encourage everyone to take a look at it. I know I want to know where my money is going!

I also encourage you to visit with each candidate. That is the only way you will know where they stand on the issues that concern you. I think everyone could agree that our community is very important, so knowing what each candidate’s intentions are is very important. I was on the council with Ted, and I have visited with Dan. How I will vote, I won’t say. But, I will take my own advice and get a copy of the budget.

Another important issue in Oakland is the auditorium construction and possibly relocating the library to the top floor of the auditorium. I have expressed my opposition to moving the library in the past. I still feel this way. The library has purchased a lot next to it to expand the library! Why go in reverse and relocate it to the top floor of the auditorium? I hope this is on the ballot for the community to decide. We should be able to decide what is best for Oakland! Just my opinion.

Election is just a mere three months away! Remember, your vote is important. Be informed!