City Government
Oakland Police Association Backs Noel Gallo’s Opponent
The Oakland Police Officers Association (OPOA) has given $1,400 in campaign contributions to Viola Gonzales, who is running for District 5 City Council seat against incumbent Noel Gallo, according to a campaign finance disclosure form.
Gallo, who has been on the council since 2012, has generally been an advocate of the police and had the backing of the Oakland police union when he ran for City Council in 2012.
More recently, Gallo played a strong role in supporting the citizens’ police oversight commission, working closely with the local police accountability coalition to get the measure on the November ballot.
He says he believes that this is why the police union has chosen to financially back his opponent.
“I can honestly say that I’ve supported the Police Department and increasing police in Oakland since I was elected,” Gallo told the Post.
“But when it comes to the police commission, you have to remember that I am elected to represent the public—not the police union. And at the end of the day, the citizens requested that we establish a police commission,” Gallo said.
According to Gonzales’ campaign consultant, Mitchell Oster of Eveleth Group based in San Mateo, the OPOA’s endorsement is a product of Gonzales’ ability to bring people of different views together.
“Her main message to all of District 5 is that her campaign and candidacy is about trying to bridge gaps between people on different sides of the message,” said Oster.
Oster also said that Gallo may have done something as a member of the City Council that cost him the police union’s support.
“It makes you wonder why (the police union) would not support him now,” Oster said. “Maybe there’s something he’s done to turn his previous supporters into opponents, and it makes you wonder about his leadership.”
Gallo said, “It’s my duty to honor the citizens who are paying my salary and who are living here, not those who just come to collect a paycheck and then leave the city.”
The OPOA did not reply to several phone calls seeking comment on why they are choosing to back Gonzales.
The Post reported last week that Mayor Libby Schaaf is also backing Gonzales, donating the maximum individual contribution of $700 to her campaign.
A representative of the mayor told the Post that she would announce her endorsements next week.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of March 20 – 26, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 20 – 26, 2024
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of March 13 – 19, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 13 – 19, 2024
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of March 6 – 12, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 6 – 12, 2024
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
-
Alameda County3 weeks ago
Michael P. Johnson Garners Major Support in Run for Alameda County Superior Court Judge
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of February 28 – March 5, 2024
-
Antonio Ray Harvey3 weeks ago
Advocates Weigh in on Calif. Black Caucus Reparations Package
-
Activism3 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of March 6 – 12, 2024
-
Book Reviews3 weeks ago
Book Review: “Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You” by A’Ja Wilson
-
Activism3 weeks ago
Who are the Alameda County District 4 Supervisor Candidates’ Top Campaign Contributors?
-
#NNPA BlackPress3 weeks ago
Rep. James Clyburn Steps Down from House Leadership
-
#NNPA BlackPress3 weeks ago
PRESS ROOM: The Allen Lewis Agency Named Ally Supplier Diversity: Supplier of the Year for 2024