From Oakland, For Oakland

By Shirley Gee

A Proven Leader with a Long History of Volunteerism and Community Service in Oakland

I have served on numerous non-profit organizations (Oakland Potluck, International Dragon Boat Association, Jack London Aquatic Center, Oakland Development Council, League of Women Voters, etc.) and on numerous Boards (e.g., Police and Firefighters Oral Boards, Mayor's Campus Safety Committee) all with the hope of making a difference in Oakland.

Throughout my volunteer efforts, I have maintained my relationships with community leaders all over Oakland; including the City Council and the Mayor.

How a candidate spends their leisure time is instructive for voters. All of mine in the last 20 years have been in volunteer, community service. In my campaign, I will tell you what I have already done for Oakland from District 2 and will continue to do; not give promises on what I will do.

Professionally, I am employed by Stanford University as a University Officer with 25+ years at the policy level with direct experience in conflict resolution, mediation, civil rights, diversity and job programming. Prior to that, I spent 10 years with the Department of Energy specializing in Contract Compliance, Management Directives and Regulations. This rich network of contacts and affiliations, accumulated over an extensive professional career, has been and will continue to be invaluable in any public service work.

I am a single, working mother of two sons; both of whom will be in college. Along with my elderly parents, siblings and extended family, we have all grown up living exclusively in District 2. Why is this important? I have deep roots and am personally invested in District 2. All of my public service has been with some person, child or family in mind.

That this Special Election is even possible was largely due to my efforts under the League of Women Voters, while serving as Chairperson of Charter Amendment Committee. I am the author of the amendment, which subsequently changed the City Charter to require that all vacancies be filled by citizen participation in a Special Election rather than by appointment. I stand on the fundamental belief that "voters" of Oakland should decide "who" represents them; not politicians.

Moreover, whoever is entrusted with the privilege of office must be independent enough to serve the people. "Participatory democracy" is the vigilance we practice at the ballot box to maintain the integrity of our political process.

My primary focus, if elected, will be on assuring the money allocated to Measure DD is spent on the Lake Merritt project as presented in the Measure; making sure that the City is fiscally responsible and understands that the public funds are the public's money; improving the quality of life for citizens of Oakland and District 2 (particularly for our youth and seniors); creating a city that promotes and supports small businesses; and on maximizing citizen access to their own city resources (e.g., parks and recreation, public works libraries) and government.

I would be privileged to have your vote. Please help me, help citizens throughout District 2 to have an opportunity for a better tomorrow. Vote GEE!