No Corporate Money

One of the Oakland Greens’ core values is that we do not accept corporate donations; we refuse to be bought by the highest bidder. While corporate money can certainly help change the tide of an election, it can also change the vote of a candidate, once elected. Time and time again, we have been disappointed by individuals who speak of progressive policies during their campaign, only to see them turn their back on the same people who voted for them once in office. Not only do the Oakland Greens refuse to participate in this corrupt system, we are actively building a No Cooperate Money Campaign. Oakland Greens members Laura Wells and Greg Jan are developing a website to collect pledges from voters to vote exclusively for non-corporate candidates and pledges from candidates to reject corporate donations. This campaign is modeled on the highly successful Richmond Progressive Alliance, which enabled Green Party candidate Gayle McLaughlin to be elected as mayor.

Redistricting

The Oakland Greens are disappointed by the most recent redistricting process and outcome. We envision a map in which districts actually represent cohesive communities. In particular, we believe the flatlands of Oakland need their own districts, separate from the hills. Currently, moneyed interests in the hills find it far too easy to override the voices of the less affluent flatlands residents.