Whether we like it or not, the first responsibility of the seven District Council members is to represent the interests of their district's constituents. This is understandable since the District Council members were elected by that specific group of residents. However, sometimes conflicts arise when the desires of the residents are not consistent with the overall goals of the City. I will cite an example where the development of units to meet the City's overall need for affordable housing is opposed by a neighborhood. The District Council member will likely support the views of the neighborhood which is understandable, but not necessarily correct.

Therefore, there exists a need for someone on the Council to be in a position to objectively balance all the competing viewpoints. That is where having the At-Large Council seat is so important. I believe that the overarching responsibility of the At-Large Council member is to take a holistic view of the City's needs and to act accordingly. That is exactly what I will do.

The At-Large position offers an additional avenue for residents to have their problems addressed. Sometimes residents are not satisfied with the response offered by the District Council member. They can then seek the assistance of the At-Large Council office.

Finally, I determined from my two years of experience as Community Relations Aide, in the Council At-Large office, that the At-Large Council member is assigned to represent the City's interest at the regional level. Oakland is part of a large cosmopolitan Bay Region.  What affects the region will also impact Oakland (Transportation, housing, crime, jobs, economic development, trades, etc.)

Although the district council members recognized the importance of many city wide and regional wide issues, they frequently did not have the time and/or resources to get wholly involved.

From my experience as a past member of the Councilmember At-Large staff, I would like to cite just a few examples of the importance of the At-Large Councilmembers role relative to the important priorities of the city:

• Public Safety

• Regional Transportation Issues

• Foreign Trades

• Seniors and/or Youth

• Liter Control and/or Blight