Chaos in Oakland City Hall

Commentary by Clinton Killian

As we celebrate our nation’s birth, Oakland is experiencing the hard part of democracy: public accountability. Over the last month, Oakland City Hall has been in chaos. City Administrator Deborah Edgerly allegedly injected herself in a criminal investigation and police action involving her nephew.
   According to the police reports, a planned sweep of suspected drug dealers in West Oakland occurred on June 7. One of the suspects was Edgerly’s nephew. While the police were arresting him and impounding his vehicle, which had a gun sitting in plain view on the front seat, Edgerly appeared and questioned the police regarding their actions.
    This apparent inappropriate interference led to a police investigation regarding whether Edgerly tipped off her nephew and others regarding the police action. Instead of fully explaining her actions, Edgerly stonewalled all inquiries. Attention then turned to the mayor, who issued a statement giving Edgerly two days to either resign or be fired. His deadline passed without any activity.
    The day after the deadline, the mayor held a joint press conference with Edgerly during which she announced her retirement effective July 31, and the mayor commended her on her public service. No mention was made of the allegations regarding Edgerly’s police contact. In fact, they both stated that it was a dead issue.
    Apparently, one of the sticking points with the mayor was that Edgerly give up oversight of the police department while the investigation was ongoing. Edgerly apparently baulked, prompting the mayor to put her on paid administrative leave three days after their joint press conference. Then, on Tuesday, he fired her, and appointed interim Economic Development Director Dan Lindheim as interim city manager.
    Edgerly has hired an attorney and vowed to clear her name.
    During this line of events, it appears that the Oakland City Council was left in the dark for several days. Finally, some of the council members started asking very public questions about the handling of this matter.
    Oakland citizens also started demanding accountability. Many questioned why, for example, the city auditor’s report regarding city management had been literally swept under the rug and ignored. The City Council held a closeddoor meeting to discuss this matter, with no apparent resolution in sight. The city attorney was not available.
    First and foremost, there has to be accountability for public officials’ actions. With crime such a serious issue in Oakland, it is inconceivable that the city would allow even a perception of improper interference to fester. This sends the absolutely wrong signal regarding Oakland’s commitment to solving its crime problem.
    Second, this is not an internal city government matter; this is a public breach of trust. Our elected officials owe the citizens a duty to fully and openly investigate this matter and ensure that the public’s interest is vitally protected.
    The Oakland leadership vacuum has never been more apparent than during this crisis. Not one elected official has taken control of the situation and chartered a course that would get to the truth and restore public confidence in our public officials’ performance of their duties. This is why it is so important for Oakland citizens to vote.
    On June 3, the citizens had a chance to hold their elected officials accountable. Yet only 20 percent thought it was important enough to vote. As a result, all incumbents were re-elected by significant margins.
    Discontent is growing because people want an accountable city government. They want a government that will address the city’s problems. These problems will not go away simply by ignoring them.
    The City Council should support a full investigation by the city auditor, hold public hearings on her findings and pass reforms to restore public confidence in its city workers. Anything less would maintain a cloud of suspicion over the city of Oakland.
    This crisis is extremely unfortunate because there are numerous dedicated public officials in this city who are committed to improving our city. They need the support from the public as well as from other elected officials. You have to do your part. Contact your City Council person and inform them that you want to see an open, transparent city review so that we can fix these problems.
    On this 4th of July, be thankful for the rights and responsibilities you have as an American. One of them is holding your government accountable. You do that by participating in the government process and voting in every election. If you fail to exercise your rights, then you get a government that is not responsive to your needs.
   So, the choice is yours. Make the effort to build a better Oakland.

Clinton Killian is an Oakland attorney, resident, former planning commissioner and current candidate for City Council. He can be reached at (510) 625-8823 or clintonkillian@yahoo.com. Visit his website at www.clintonkillian.com.