Bay Area

OP-ED: Sheng Thao, the Leader Oakland Needs as its Next Mayor

We are responding to the false attack that Thao is somehow unqualified to serve as mayor, an age-old tactic used against women candidates. Other candidates and their supporters are perpetuating this false narrative and we want to set the record straight.

Published

3 years ago

November 6, 2022

Oakland Post

Sheng Thao. City of Oakland photo.

By State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Alameda County Assessor Phong La, and Alameda County Auditor-Controller/Clerk-Recorder Melissa Wilk

We are financial professionals and elected officials who serve Alameda County and the State of California. It is our sworn duty to serve and protect the interests of taxpayers.

We are also proud supporters of Oakland’s District 4 City Councilmember and President Pro Tem Sheng Thao for mayor of Oakland because we believe she is the leader Oakland needs at this critical time. She is the most qualified and effective candidate running.

We know from working with Thao that her knowledge and experience will allow her to meet the critical needs of Oakland and get the City back on the right track. Thao’s understanding of property taxation, finance and budgets is above and beyond most elected officials. We’ve worked with Sheng on essential public policy matters and funding related to public services including public safety, housing, and street and park maintenance. Thao is well-prepared to address the challenges we face.

Her collaboration with county and state leaders has secured millions of dollars in funding to support affordable housing, homelessness services, disadvantaged youth and, most recently, over $2 million for updates to three East Oakland parks. Sheng has the support of leaders of the Chabot Space and Science Center for her role in artfully negotiating a complex financial plan to save this Oakland jewel from insolvency.

Sheng has received the most endorsements from elected officials and community leaders in the race for mayor of Oakland because of her experience, knowledge and her well-known reputation for getting things done.

We support Sheng Thao, and we encourage you to support the most qualified candidate for Oakland Mayor: Sheng Thao.

Fiona Ma is the California State Treasurer.

Phong La is the Alameda County Assessor.

Melissa Wilk is the Alameda County Auditor-Controller/Clerk-Recorder