Fighting for DemocracyOct 27

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbLTDQtE1LY5yAeOz6Oc2E5_kUKazqfc8UvvqUA5_Xzy0ieQ/viewform

A working group of various bigwigs is currently deciding what changes should be made to Oakland's charter. The charter is Oakland's Constitution--it sets ground rules for the city, including which elected offices will exist and what their powers will be.

Their first "community conversation" is TONIGHT online. To get the link and/or sign up for future events, you can use the link above.

#oakmtg #oakland

[RSVP] Mayor Lee's Charter Reform Working Group Community Conversations

Join Mayor Barbara Lee’s Charter Reform Working Group & Oakland City Council Members for "Talk of the Town: A Community Conversation on Charter Reform," facilitated by the Oakland League of Women Voters & SPUR. Oakland’s charter is its guiding document, its constitution. Every so often it needs to be updated to reflect where Oakland is and where it’s going. Join us for an important conversation about the charter, what it does, and how it guides our city. We will brainstorm changes that can be made to create an Oakland that works better for everyone. This is your opportunity to help shape an accountable Oakland government that works for everyone. Please RSVP below.

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Show threadFighting for DemocracyOct 27

The working group is meant to decide amongst themselves what charter reforms to propose. They'll bring those proposals to Oakland City Council in January (not far off!). If the council approves them, they'll go on the ballot.

#oakmtg #oakland

Show threadFighting for Democracy

I am currently frustrated by the way the process is being run. They started in August, and up until now I've been unable to find any information about when they're meeting or what ideas they're discussing.

I also think this whole thing is backwards: it should be regular Oaklanders deciding what proposals to make, with input from the experts and interest groups. Not the other way around.

#oakmtg #oakland

Oct 27 at 10:20pmWeb
Show threadFighting for DemocracyOct 27

I might be a little less up in arms if they were clear about what they were doing. It's possible that this whole process is just about getting a strong mayor proposal on the ballot, which I'm fine with. But the working group's mandate from Mayor Lee includes a *huge* range of potential changes to the fundamental governing structure of Oakland, and that makes me nervous.

#oakmtg #oakland