Arvon J. Perteet, Chair
Charlotte Hill
Ryan Micik
Joe Tuman
Francis Upton IV
Suzanne Doran, Acting Executive Director
One Frank Ogawa Plaza, Room 104, Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 238-3593 Fax: (510) 238-3315 June 30, 2022
Oakland City Council
1 Frank Ogawa Plaza
Oakland, CA 94612
RE: Public Ethics Commission Support for the Oakland Fair Elections Act
Dear Council President Bas and Council members,
The Public Ethics Commission ( Commission) supports the proposed Oakland Fair Election Act . The proposed measure and related amend ments will redesign Oakland’s public campaign financing system to suppo rt meaningful participation by all Oaklanders in the campaign process through a Democracy Dollars program that provides $100 to every Oakland voter to give to the candidate(s) of their choice.
In 2020, t he Commission conducted a comprehensive review of campaign finance data and outcomes from Oakland’s existing public financing program and overall campaign finance system, as well as best practices from other juri sdictions. In its subsequent report , Race for Power: How Money in Oakland Politics Creates and Perpetuates Disparities Across Income and Race, the Commission articulated the ways in which some Oaklanders lack political power, particularly highlighting inequities in the campaign finance process which relies on those with money to make contributions to political campaigns.
After analyzing alternative public financing programs, the Commission concluded that a system of providing Democracy Dollars was the best approach for Oakland since it provides public funds to City residents in a manner intended to provide equity across the board and incentivizes candidates to engage across all demographics regardless of wealth and history of prior engagement. The proposed measure has been well researched and carefully crafted to implement this ideal approach for Oakland and enjoys broad support from community-based organizations committed to improving equity and democratic government.
Again, the Public Ethics Commission took a support position for the Oakland Fair Elections Act and continues its supportive position pursuant to Charter section 603(h). We believe th is innovative model for providing public campaign financing by distributing power out to all eligible Oakland residents will expand citizen participation in the campaign process.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Doran
Acting Executive Director
On behalf of the Public Ethics Commission based on action at its public meeting on April 13, 2022, and subsequent subcommittee review.