Oakland’s public works director reported receiving pressure from current and former elected officials and a mayor’s team member to negotiate an agreement with California Waste Solutions to address illegal dumping. He said he was reluctant to engage because of legal troubles involving the company’s owners. The company’s founder and son had been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly bribing Mayor Sheng Thao to obtain an extension of a recycling contract, which the parties denied. After the director raised concerns, the city administrator instructed staff not to engage in conversations with outside vendors. Emails were obtained through public records requests, and additional contacts by prominent former and current officials were reported, with denials of lobbying for the company.
"Johnson thanked Rowan for the heads up and noted that Oakland wasn't seeking to hire a contractor to handle illegal dumping. He directed Rowan and his staff to not engage in any conversations with outside vendors. The Oaklandside obtained Rowan and Johnson's emails through a public records request."
Read at The Oaklandside
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