'Give Sheng Thao the chance she deserves': Oakland mayor launches campaign to save job

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao launched a campaign Sunday to fight her recall in November — less than a month before voters will decide whether to remove her from office.

Thao was joined outside the Rockridge BART Station by Igor Tregub, the chair of the Alameda County Democratic Party, Richard Fuentes, the co-owner of the Fluid510 bar, local and former politicians, pastors and about 30 other supporters. The Alameda County Democratic Party Central Committee voted last month to oppose the recall. Few other elected officials have come out against Thao’s recall, including her allies on the City Council.

During a news conference announcing the campaign Sunday, Thao and her supporters defended her record, saying crime is down this year and that foot traffic on city corridors has increased through initiatives she has launched, including Activate Oakland, a city program that funds events to boost the city economy and the “Five After Five” program, which allows visitors to park in a downtown city garage for $5 in an effort to boost nightlife.

Supporters held signs that read “Vote no to mayoral recall” and “Oakland is not for sale.” The recall, her supporters said, is an attack on democracy.



https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/oakland-mayor-sheng-thao-recall-19814532.php