The City of Oakland Needs a Bailout

by Randy Shaw via Beyond Chron

Tue, Oct 7, 2008 7:13AM

Monday, October 6, 2008 : Replete with a three horn band, umbrella toting union protesters wore wide brim black church hats in a New Orleans style funeral to mourn the death of City Services at the City of Oakland last Tuesday. The several hundred person procession lead by SEIU Local 1021 moved in and around Oakland City hall and carried signs that read “Save Our City” “Save Our Services.”

Before a packed City Council Chamber, City of Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums presented a budget that would eliminate 84 jobs and drastically cut services in the already economically distressed City. “700 billion is being given to bail out Wall Street,” said Oakland resident and SEIU 1021 Union President, Damita Davis-Howard. “We’re about to be devastated. Where is the Bailout for the needy of Oakland?”

Her testimony along with that of many others cited numerous problems with Dellums’ plan and also cited the opportunities now possible to address the City’s needs. Davis-Howard also urged the City to work with the Union and Community groups to find ways to make the City work without further cuts to City residents. “Work with us we can find a way to make it work,” she urged the Council.

Read More

For more information: http://www.beyondchron.org/index.php?itemi...

Add Your Comments