The city of Oakland aims for Measure E tax funds to pay for services already funded by Measure NN, the tax voters approved in 2024. It also diverts Measure NN funds to fire equipment.
Is there any legal recourse that powerless Oakland residents have to obstruct this fraud? This budget clearly documents the intent to violate the conditions of Measure NN. I'm not a lawyer, just a simple retiree. It is beyond frustrating to see this looting happening in plain sight.
Where is the money going? It seems like the City gets plenty of money, but where is it being spent? I’d like to see a published audit of money coming in and money going out because the math isn’t mathing.
Thank you, Sean, for another great article. Nothing bothers me more than the Measures passed year after year for services we never fully receive. Your comprehensive articles have shed light on the incompetence of our City 'leaders'. Until the citizens of Oakland wake up and educate themselves on what is going on, we will continue paying higher taxes for very little service.
Thanks Sean for this excellent article. Vote No on Measure E. We need a criminal investigation into Barbara "Tax" Lee's administration and all city finances. We do not need another tax. Mindy Pechenuk, candidate for Oakland Mayor 2026
1. Emotional voting identifies what you believe in.
2. Logical voting reviews facts, costs, and long-term consequences before making decisions.
3. The best voting combines both. Emotion identifies your values; logic helps challenge your own bias.
The concern with Measures NN and E is that rising taxes and fees ultimately impact all Oakland residents, with lower-income residents usually affected the hardest.
The Mayor’s use of “extreme fiscal necessity” also creates the perception that the public may have limited practical choice regardless of the outcome.
Is there any legal recourse that powerless Oakland residents have to obstruct this fraud? This budget clearly documents the intent to violate the conditions of Measure NN. I'm not a lawyer, just a simple retiree. It is beyond frustrating to see this looting happening in plain sight.
Yes, we are forming and Oakland Taxpayers Alliance and filing a lawsuit against the city over NN violations. Enough is enough
Thank you Seneca - I'm looking forward to learning more about the Oakland Taxpayers Alliance!
Where is the money going? It seems like the City gets plenty of money, but where is it being spent? I’d like to see a published audit of money coming in and money going out because the math isn’t mathing.
Thank you, Sean, for another great article. Nothing bothers me more than the Measures passed year after year for services we never fully receive. Your comprehensive articles have shed light on the incompetence of our City 'leaders'. Until the citizens of Oakland wake up and educate themselves on what is going on, we will continue paying higher taxes for very little service.
Thanks Sean for this excellent article. Vote No on Measure E. We need a criminal investigation into Barbara "Tax" Lee's administration and all city finances. We do not need another tax. Mindy Pechenuk, candidate for Oakland Mayor 2026
Where has the money gone? Is there any ongoing investigation into what looks like embezzlement of public funds?
Emotional vs. logical voting:
1. Emotional voting identifies what you believe in.
2. Logical voting reviews facts, costs, and long-term consequences before making decisions.
3. The best voting combines both. Emotion identifies your values; logic helps challenge your own bias.
The concern with Measures NN and E is that rising taxes and fees ultimately impact all Oakland residents, with lower-income residents usually affected the hardest.
The Mayor’s use of “extreme fiscal necessity” also creates the perception that the public may have limited practical choice regardless of the outcome.
Before voting:
• Research who supports the measures
• Review long-term financial impacts
• Examine where the money goes
• Question who benefits most
• Read both support and opposition arguments
~d