Oakland’s 20-year record of diverted tax funds, fire station cuts used for political pressure, and a firefighters union that continues to back new tax hikes despite multiple broken promises.
These are not new tactics. No doubt political consultants and strategists borrow from other successful campaigns across the state. I remember a state water and park bond measure a few years ago that featured a firefighter on the poster, even though little if any, of the money was destined to improve traditional firefighting. Of all the public services, firefighters are universally admired, whereas there are strong negative public feelings towards the police, the street maintenance staff, tax collectors, and other city employees.
Sean - thank you for another great analysis. The pols and unions count on all of us having very short memories and giving in to fear. The new bond measure devotes most of the money to raises and bonuses for unions. Raising the cost of what we already doesn't protect public safety - it protects the Progressive control of Oakland.
Thanks Sean - this is really well presented. I'm going to print this for some folks who won't read online. Between you guys at Oakland Report, Seneca with Gotham Oakland and Steve Tavares at the East Bay Insiders, the word is getting out about the corrupt Soggies monopoly in Oakland and the perpetual Union grift that is killing the Town.
I think this article would be great in the video format you used for the Surplus Mirage - lots of strong visuals and bulletpoint facts and clear numbers.
The repeated parcel taxes feed money to local 55 and other unions for salary increases that are unjustified and unneeded, part of a corrupt alliance between politicians and local unions designed to feed salaries that already exceed those for similar positions in cities of comparable size to Oakland and to garner political contributions for the mayor and council members. Extortion and bribery prevail. Vote NO on new taxes.
Great article Sean. It is time to stand up for Oaklanders and stop all the union back deals on taxes. Stop taxing Oakland to death. Oakland needs to develop with business, manufacturing and bring back "In and Out Burger". Make Oakland safe and we can create real revenue, not more taxes! Mindy Pechenuk, candidate for Oakland Mayor 2026
NO MORE TAXES!!!! It's time for a TAXPAYER REVOLT!
Pull back the dirty curtain O.R.
These are not new tactics. No doubt political consultants and strategists borrow from other successful campaigns across the state. I remember a state water and park bond measure a few years ago that featured a firefighter on the poster, even though little if any, of the money was destined to improve traditional firefighting. Of all the public services, firefighters are universally admired, whereas there are strong negative public feelings towards the police, the street maintenance staff, tax collectors, and other city employees.
Sean - thank you for another great analysis. The pols and unions count on all of us having very short memories and giving in to fear. The new bond measure devotes most of the money to raises and bonuses for unions. Raising the cost of what we already doesn't protect public safety - it protects the Progressive control of Oakland.
Thanks Sean - this is really well presented. I'm going to print this for some folks who won't read online. Between you guys at Oakland Report, Seneca with Gotham Oakland and Steve Tavares at the East Bay Insiders, the word is getting out about the corrupt Soggies monopoly in Oakland and the perpetual Union grift that is killing the Town.
I think this article would be great in the video format you used for the Surplus Mirage - lots of strong visuals and bulletpoint facts and clear numbers.
The repeated parcel taxes feed money to local 55 and other unions for salary increases that are unjustified and unneeded, part of a corrupt alliance between politicians and local unions designed to feed salaries that already exceed those for similar positions in cities of comparable size to Oakland and to garner political contributions for the mayor and council members. Extortion and bribery prevail. Vote NO on new taxes.
Please do a similar analysis of actions taken by the police union to hold us hostage. Thank you.
Great article Sean. It is time to stand up for Oaklanders and stop all the union back deals on taxes. Stop taxing Oakland to death. Oakland needs to develop with business, manufacturing and bring back "In and Out Burger". Make Oakland safe and we can create real revenue, not more taxes! Mindy Pechenuk, candidate for Oakland Mayor 2026