The July 2026 review covers contracts in only one of Oakland's 26 departments and offices, plus capital projects. The deficit, overtime and reserves remain unexamined.
After years of politicians of the left holding elected office in Oakland, 'waste, fraud, and abuse' are features of governance. This pattern is also observed in other cities where they hold office (Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles,...).
Once again, this Thomas Sowell quote is appropriate considering the lack of a thorough audit of city finances that was promised by Barbara Lee:
“Just as you don't find eagles living in the ocean or fish living on mountain tops, so you don't find leftists concentrated where their ideas have to stand the test of malperformance.”
Good report. It confirms what was suspected, that nothing has changed in any major way. We only get new measures begging for ever more money, which then disappears into the general morass. Change and accountability is sorely needed.
There seems to be no real political will to find waste, abuse and fraud in the system and reduce or eliminate it.
After years of politicians of the left holding elected office in Oakland, 'waste, fraud, and abuse' are features of governance. This pattern is also observed in other cities where they hold office (Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles,...).
Once again, this Thomas Sowell quote is appropriate considering the lack of a thorough audit of city finances that was promised by Barbara Lee:
“Just as you don't find eagles living in the ocean or fish living on mountain tops, so you don't find leftists concentrated where their ideas have to stand the test of malperformance.”
Thanks Oakland Report and Sean. This article is so timely and excellent. Mindy Pechenuk
Good report. It confirms what was suspected, that nothing has changed in any major way. We only get new measures begging for ever more money, which then disappears into the general morass. Change and accountability is sorely needed.