Plan of Action for Oakland

By Charles R. Williams

Concerns and issues that I will get to work on immediately after being sworn in as Mayor.

Oakland Police Department + We must provide professional help for all officers who have endured the last 10 years and are still on the force. A lot of our officers are combat fatigued. This is to be expected, they've had to endure long periods of depression and stress and have not been taken care of. The OPD should be equipped with all of the latest weaponry, equipment, and military technology to combat what is out there in the underworld of Oakland.

Occupational training facilities + I want re-vamp the Regional Occupation Program. The City of Oakland tows at least 2,000 abandoned and illegal parked cars unclaimed per year. I would like to put programs in place to train people to repair these cars and refurbish them for sale. Other programs that can stem from our discarded e-waste and appliances , furniture etc are; computer repair, appliance repair, bicycle restoration, and upholstery services. This will be a profit share going back to students while also providing them with a skill and job experience.

Youth Programs -I would like to see reformed prior felons to come back and work with the youth in our community. Those that are capable and committed , will be infused among professionals to come in and mentor. I feel that this would bring a lot of youth off the streets that are pursuing a life of crime and violence.

I would like for inform the public to be aware that the underground economy in east and west Oakland is approximately a 60 million dollar per year industry. This is where the killing and violence is coming from. It is essential that we bring back quality long-term jobs. And I hope over a very short period of time that the total rebuilding of downtown Oakland along with the training centers and with the involvement of churches in the area that we can alleviate a lot of crime. I would like to see a city administration with heart and right alongside the church community.

To the people of Oakland, "Give me your heart and I'll give you mine." Please understand that the element of poverty creates intense anger and aggression that is beyond the scope of normal human living. We must at all points and turns create an atmosphere and diffuse the negative elements that have taken the lives of so many of our young people. We have to instill beauty and trust! It's what is needed for us as a community to flourish, become more successful, and to live in peace. Lastly, the city government of Oakland needs to open their minds, come in contact with the citizens, and live as examples and not above those that they serve.