Oakland’s an interesting place where the term “progressive” is bandied about and local political races get framed as the progressive run for power.  But that term takes on new meaning when you have several candidates who are battling to carry that banner to city hall.  You know, I’ve met and worked with all three candidates, incumbant Nancy Nadel, school board member Greg Hodge, and youth organization director Sean Sullivan.  The dynamics of the Oakland City Council makes this race a tough call - truth is we could use all the energy and committments they bring.  So how to judge…

I visited a friend in West Oakland on 32nd Street, part of District 3 in Oakland.  She bought a foreclosed house near San Pablo for a cheap price, and boy is that neighborhood dicey.  She’s done a lot of work on fixing up the house and really likes many of her neighbors.  But while we were chatting on her couch in the front room, we watched a parade of dealers, addicts, and miscreants hanging out on the street.  She finds crack vials and human excrement around her house all the time.  Now, I’d like to ask what can be done to make this place a community like it was decades ago.  My friend told me of a 80+ year old woman that lives in a well-kept house down the street.  She walks around unafraid.  She’s been living there for 40 years and, dammit, it’s her neighborhood.  Since all three candidates call themselves progressives, what is to be done in this troubled West Oakland neighborhood?  And don’t just say more cops, like the rest of the council and the mayor.  There’s gotta be more - and leadership from this seat could be just the thing.  I will co-moderate with East Bay Express’ Bob Gammon and neighborhood activist Jim Ratliff.  I must say, after my run a couple of years ago it’s awesome to be on this side of the mike.

Here are the details:  I hope you can make it down there tonight:

Oakland City Council District 3 Debate

Candidates: Nancy Nadel, Greg Hodge, Sean Sullivan

Time: 6:30 - 8:30

Place:  The ballroom of the Scottish Rite Center at 1547 Lakeside between 14th-17th Streets.