At this period in Oakland's history, we look around at the promise of being a beacon. Yet we are failing miserably. Too often there is catering to those who are new arrivals, cutting them deals to appear glamorous on the outside, while there's a filthy rot on the inside. I implore our elected officials to remember, as we walk through our streets, we glimpse levels of suffering under the crush of profit driven greed unlike we've seen in recent Oakland History. To continue the legacy of Oakland as a Vibrant place that has sustained vibrancy in the face of adversity, we need to support Education, The Arts, Recreation, and oppressed groups that have called Oakland home for generations, not corporations and law enforcement agencies that have no interest other than to maintain and gain foothold to resources without accountability. This is the time to make choices that will support all of Oakland's Citizens, not the greed of the few.