Elaine Peng, the president of Asian Americans for a Progressive America, asserted, "I strongly oppose the recall, pointing to a drop in the city's murder rate as evidence of progress. The Oakland murder rate was higher in 2021 than it was in 2023, which was the mayor's first year in office." This sentiment echoes the argument from supporters that despite ongoing challenges, Thao's leadership has contributed to tangible improvements in public safety.
Mayor Sheng Thao remarked, "What we need now is stability and experienced leadership to guide us through these tough, challenging times," encapsulating the rally's call for continuity and against the turmoil surrounding her recall election.
Despite a 33% year-to-date decrease in overall crime this year, the Oakland Police Department's statistics reveal an underlying concern, as this follows a significant crime spike. An independent analysis found a staggering 65% increase in Oakland's 2023 crime rate since 2020, marking the highest in the Bay Area.
Josh Gunter, a West Oakland resident, emphasized improvements by stating, "The revitalization of Raimondi Park, once home to the region's largest homeless encampment, highlights the progress made through coordinated city efforts and investment in community infrastructure."
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