There is an awesome responsibility in being on city council. It is the foundational role in governing, one of the most important positions there is. This responsibility should not be granted because one surveyed well or manipulated audiences with nuanced theory, someone got the most insider endorsements, or because a special interest bought the election. Leadership to move us forward must be earned through experience, empathy, truth and an ability to ask for help and be vulnerable to criticism, and with a commitment to integrity and keeping people as the main beneficiary of any policy or action.
I’ve spent my lifetime serving and learning and collaborating, all here in Oakland. For decades, I’ve worked in key for profit industries, acquiring skills which would advance Oakland. I’m the only candidate to work in management in more than five industries, developing business plans and budgets and being accountable in these roles. In addition, I’ve also served as an Executive Director and many other nonprofit roles. While I’m not an Oakland union worker like my father and grandfather, I’m the only candidate to bring construction and union opportunities to Oakland. I’ve studied the most challenging issues in Oakland, while being able to apply those findings in my personal and professional lives. We must support the small business community, and as a business owner who has participated in five business organizations in Oakland, I know what that means. I am the only person in this race to attract businesses to Oakland, and as a financial planner, I’ve worked to find investors in enterprise zones and innovative startups in financial services for the underserved. I’ve worked with City, County, State, and Federal leaders to improve the lives of our citizens.
One doesn’t have to be an Oakland native to lead Oakland. We shine because people come from everywhere and shape us for the better. But I’ll be the only native in at least five decades to lead the district, and that institutional knowledge means something when so many competitors have little to no historical understanding of the city during this crisis we face. I was born to teenage parents in this District, less than a mile and a half from where I live today, where I have lived for 30 years. I know what types of people and institutions helped me survive my impoverished upbringing when my father died, and how we can leverage these again and break cycles, as I’ve done with my own children, and the many I’ve helped as Board leader, Scout leader, uncle. I know what we have lost, so I know what our amazing potential can be.
As the only candidate to signal our financial crisis two years ago and challenge unfit leadership before the recalls, I promise to tell the truth and treat you like adults. I will leverage my unique mix of career, community, and cultural experiences and courage to act independently for the best interests of the district, the city and not the next race. So, I’m running a little bit angry, with a lot of determination, purpose and genuine respect for this community, and I’ll be dammed if I let another person who wants to fail up trick us again.
Let’s Go Oakland.
Harold Lowe
Your Candidate for Oakland City Council, District 2
