Oakland police union pushes for mayor's resignation, Thao stands firm: 'Absolutely not'

Police Union Calls for Oakland Mayor's Resignation

Today, at a press conference, the Oakland Police Officers' Association (OPOA) leaders demanded the immediate resignation of Mayor Sheng Thao. The union blames Thao for various issues plaguing Oakland, including crime and the city's budget deficit.

President of OPOA, Huy Nguyen, stated, "I respectfully ask that the mayor resign immediately." If Thao refuses to step down, OPOA will support the recall campaign that seeks to remove her, with a measure already placed on the November ballot for voters to decide.

Main Points of Dissatisfaction

1. Police Staffing Levels
2. Budget Cuts Impacting Oakland Police Department
3. Mayor's Failure to Hire More Police

Thao, however, has made it clear that she has no intentions of resigning. She views OPOA's press conference as a distraction from recent positive city developments, such as the sales terms with a private developer to purchase Oakland's stake in the Coliseum for $105 million.

City Budget and Staffing Issues

• Departmental Understaffing
• Severe Cuts Looming Due to Budget Deficit
• Challenges in Hiring New Officers

OPOA criticized Thao for failing to hire more police officers, emphasizing that it's not just about finding the funding but also about the department's inability to fill academies for new recruits.

Response Time and Crime Concerns

• Slow Response Time Due to Understaffing
• Conflicting Views on Crime Trends in Oakland
• Historical Challenges in Staffing OPD

Nguyen also pointed out the mayor's administration's shortcomings, including missing out on a state grant to combat retail theft. However, he refrained from criticizing the new police chief, Floyd Mitchell, hired by Thao earlier this year.

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• Piedmont hedge fund exec has bankrolled the effort to recall Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao - Aug. 1, 2024
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What do you think?

• Should Mayor Sheng Thao resign amid these demands?
• Is the Oakland Police Department facing significant challenges due to budget cuts?
• What are your thoughts on the staffing issues across various city departments?