In a recent Instagram post, Oakland Councilmember Ken Houston voiced his frustration over the cancellation of crucial public safety committee meetings amid rising crime rates. Dressed casually in a suede bomber jacket, he expressed concerns over accountability within the council, stating that they have a 'contract with the people of Oakland' to attend these meetings. His video, although not viral, garnered attention for its candidness, reflecting a shift in how elected officials engage with constituents through social media, a practice that was rare a decade ago but has become increasingly common.
"We have a contract with the people of Oakland to show up to these committees," Houston continues, marching with purpose through City Hall as crime videos and TV news clips flash by.
"It's unacceptable, and if they think I was verbal then, watch me" - he smacks the table - "now!".
Houston's one-minute Reel - what Instagram calls short-form, vertical videos - has over 6,000 views, hardly viral but still a sizeable amount for a civics video in a city of under half a million residents.
Ten or 15 years ago, hardly any elected officials in Oakland would have posted a video like Houston's, let alone consistently use social media to reach their constituents.
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