pages: CityCouncil/2017-10-17.pdf, 3
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CityCouncil | 2017-10-17 | 3 | decision maker; he lived through something that feels similar; focus should be on the will of the people, not on political witch hunts or self-serving political attacks. Yvonne Williams, Alameda Labor Council/ATU 192, stated whenever two champions are attacked unnecessarily, she feels it is her duty to come stand for their character and commitment to the community; Vice Mayor Vella and Councilmember Oddie have exemplified a commitment to the community; sometimes people are persecuted for choosing to stand up; applauded both for their courage and ethics. Mark Williams stated that he works for AC Transit; he is speaking for Vice Mayor Vella and Councilmember Oddie; he has had great dealings with them and knows them to be forthright; they have the City's best interest at heart and have always been fair, honest and compassionate; urged their history and background be considered. Joe VanWinkle, Alameda, stated the actions described in the press recently speak poorly of Alameda and gives rise to a whole new level of interference with the City Manager and her staff; the Council sets policy, not operations; threatening the City Manager's job for not appointing a union crony is outrageous and violates the City Charter; given the investigations that must ensue, the Councilmembers are in no position to evaluate the City Manager or City Attorney; potential conflicts of interest and lawsuits could come upon the City; the Council must postpone the evaluation; if the evaluations proceed, the two Councilmembers must recuse themselves. Janet Gibson, Alameda, stated people representing labor or groups in need do not effect what is being discussed tonight; what is important is looking at how Councilmembers handle themselves and run campaigns; many actions being taken are leading up to the political campaigns next November; Councilmembers should commit to campaigning coming from election fairness; since 2010 things have changed dramatically in Alameda; the people elected have often been elected because of heavy donations with self-interest; labor unions have been involved; in the last election almost $50,000 went from the fire unions into Vice Mayor Vella and Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's campaigns; Councilmembers should commit to not taking money from groups of which it will have to make salary and pension decisions; Vice Mayor Vella refused to be fair with her; read a note she wrote to Vice Mayor Vella requesting a meeting. In response to Ms. Gibson, Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she told Councilmember Matarrese she wished the matter would not get personal. Ms. Gibson stated the community is asking Councilmembers not to be pushed or drawn by outside forces as has been in the past, including negative campaigning against Tony Daysog. August Zajonc, Alameda, stated the accusations are unproven; the full story is not known; more work needs to be done to determine whether or not something occurred; there can be an assessment of whether the Charter rule was followed; if the evaluation occurs, the folks involved should recuse themselves; that he recommends waiting, Special Meeting Alameda City Council October 17, 2017 | CityCouncil/2017-10-17.pdf |