A shocking blow has been dealt to Oakland's progressive mayor just weeks before a crucial recall vote.
According to the Daily Mail, a left-leaning publication has published an editorial urging readers to recall Mayor Sheng Thao in the upcoming election due to budget mismanagement and rising crime rates.
The East Bay Times editorial board argues that Thao has "failed to responsibly manage the city budget and address unacceptably high crime rates." They further state, "It's hard to ignore how inept she's been."
Oakland is currently facing significant financial challenges, spending approximately $100 million more per year than it generates in revenue. This fiscal crisis shows no signs of improvement under Thao's leadership.
Simultaneously, the city is grappling with a surge in violent crime. In 2023, roughly one in 30 residents had their car stolen. Despite these alarming statistics, Thao's administration has proposed delaying the start of academy training for new police officers as a cost-saving measure.
The East Bay Times notes that violent crime increased by more than 20% by the end of 2023, a year after Thao took office. While homicide rates have decreased from their peak last year, Oakland still experiences a higher murder rate than the national average.
The editorial criticizes Thao's response to the crime situation, pointing out that her claims of reduced crime rates are based on questionable comparisons between fully compiled 2023 statistics and ongoing 2024 counts.
Moreover, the newspaper highlights Thao's approach to balancing the budget, which relied heavily on the one-time sale of the city's stake in the Oakland Coliseum. The editorial board describes this as "a reckless use of capital funds to pay for ongoing expenses."
The East Bay Times editorial states:
To be sure, the worst years of the pandemic, which provide the genesis for many of the business closings, predate Thao's mayoral term. But Thao has failed to face the financial reality that's been left behind, budget responsibly, make tough decisions that might alienate labor allies, and prioritize police protection.
The ongoing crime issues have had a ripple effect on Oakland's economy, leading to a significant drop in real estate transfer tax revenue. This decline is attributed to the perception of Oakland as a crime-ridden city in decline, deterring potential residents and businesses.
Public safety concerns have also led to high-profile business closures, including the city's only In-N-Out Burger, which shut down due to repeated burglaries in its parking lot.
The city's police force is severely understaffed, with only 678 officers on the books, including those on disability leave. This number falls far below the national average of 2.4 officers per 1,000 residents, resulting in extended emergency response times and decreased public safety.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao faces a critical recall election amidst growing criticism of her leadership. The East Bay Times' unexpected endorsement of the recall effort highlights concerns over budget management and rising crime rates. As the November 5 election approaches, Oakland residents will decide whether to retain Thao or seek new leadership for their troubled city.
