4 20-0140 Subject: Ballot Measure Amending Powers Of The Police Commission
From: Council President Kaplan And Pro Tem Kalb
Recommendation: Adopt A Resolution Proposing To Amend City Charter Section 604 To Strengthen The Independence Of The Oakland Police Commission, Directing The City Administrator To Give Written Notice To Employee Organizations That May Be Affected, And Directing The City Administrator To Meet And Confer, As Appropriate Subject To Further Council Instruction
The commissioners have misused their powers and brought shame to the City of Oakland. The commission fired the chief without cause and have not stated why they fired her; this is not democracy. One commissioner in particular, Ms. Harris, attempted to obtain privileged treatment of the penalty for an infraction, degrades the level of discourse at public meetings, garners negative publicity for her aggressive behavior, and refuses to indicate any change of course. Another commissioner, Mr. Dorado, spoke in defense of Ms. Harris with talk of "we have her back" and thuggish language. No expansion of commission functions is appropriate at this time.
The commissioners have misused their powers and brought shame to the City of Oakland. The commission fired the chief without cause and have not stated why they fired her; this is not democracy. One commissioner in particular, Ms. Harris, attempted to obtain privileged treatment of the penalty for an infraction, degrades the level of discourse at public meetings, garners negative publicity for her aggressive behavior, and refuses to indicate any change of course. Another commissioner, Mr. Dorado, spoke in defense of Ms. Harris with talk of "we have her back" and thuggish language. No expansion of commission functions is appropriate at this time.