"Critics fault Oakland, Calif., mayor for crime, financial meltdown" by Maria L. La Ganga and Lee Romney, Los Angeles Times | October 26, 2008
OAKLAND, Calif. - Ronald V. Dellums - a former US representative and liberal lion who represented the region for 28 years in Congress - took office as mayor nearly two years ago in this beleaguered and changing Bay Area metropolis.
He rode to office on lofty talk of transforming Oakland into a "model 21st-century city" of universal healthcare, green jobs, affordable housing, and an unprecedented call to civic participation.
Nearly halfway through Dellums's first term, Oakland is in a state of near-municipal meltdown. A string of restaurant robberies terrorized residents throughout the summer. The budget is $42 million in the red; service cuts and layoffs loom.
The city administrator was fired July 1 amid allegations of nepotism and interfering with a police investigation. That crucial position remains unfilled, as does the head of economic development. The police chief is on leave, caring for his sick wife, and is expected to step down. The fire chief retires in about a week.
A website has cropped up calling for Dellums's ouster, and nearly 1,000 people have added their names to the unofficial online petition, which declares that "we cannot simply wait for the next election while our 'Silent Mayor' lets the city deteriorate."
Warranted or not, taking potshots at Dellums has become something of a civic sport. Critics charge that Dellums, an unlikely combination of dignity and thin skin, hardly has been seen or heard from around town, even as a crime wave sweeps through many neighborhoods.
If he shows up now, he should be jailed!!!
For his part, the lifelong politician said his mother's recent death led to an epiphany and made him realize that "it doesn't matter what other people think." Dellums acknowledged that being mayor is "absolutely" harder than serving in Congress. --more--"
What, you thought it would be easier? I guess that is a one-up for Ms. Sarah, too, huh?
