(Editor’s Note: The deadline to declare candidacy for Oakland’s next Mayor hasn't even passed, but just like Christmas decorations in October, the campaigns are already off to a running start.) 

On Wednesday night, the fifth floor of the historic Cathedral Building in Downtown Oakland came alive for mayoral hopeful Rebecca Kaplan's fundraising reception and happy hour. The crowd was a mix of long time supporters, curious after-work warriors and a few city and county seat holders. The DJ spun disco and oldies, while guests washed their bruschetta down with a nice red wine blend. Kaplan moved through the rooms meeting, reconnecting and answering questions.

Kaplan – who currently serves as an At-Large Councilwoman for Oakland – started off by saying proudly that "Oakland is the best city in the world!" to an eruption of applause. She went on to name the main issues she believes need addressing first in order to make this town work for its residents.  

Creating new jobs and revitalizing the economy was the first issue she addressed. Considering that the city funds its services with business and retail taxes, this was a good place to start the conversation. Kaplan went on to stress public safety and said that it's important to intervene before something becomes a criminal situation. She talked about Oakland's new Police Chief Anthony Batts and praised his impressive record of reducing criminal activity in Long Beach. She also brought up the important topic of changing the relationship between police officers and residents and spoke about the need for citizens to feel safe contacting the police, and to know that they will be listened to.

Kaplan went on to talk about the inefficiency of our city government. Pulling no punches she said, "This city has the worst records management system I have EVER seen." Oakland Local is especially passionate about this issue and will unabashedly support Kaplan on it. 

One example of this inefficiency: Almost every reporter that has attempted to research city government has run into problems every step of the way, from the city website – Oaklandnet.com – to something as simple as KTOP television broadcast schedules. At the last Special Meeting On the Budget, one city councilmember admitted that it's easy to miss important emails because the city government email server bounces messages when capacity is reached. In this data day and technological age – and for a city of more than 400,000 people – this is shameful. We only dare to imagine what their junk mail folders must look like.

Closing out her speech, Kaplan was serious as she said, "This isn't magic. These things can really happen."

Choose Well

It's important to meet and get to know your mayoral candidates and his or her plans for Oakland. Here are some opportunities to do so in the coming weeks:

Don Perata's Community Conversations are happening soon in a couple of locations. 

Rebecca Kaplan's next party will be on June 3, 2010 at Bench and Bar.   

Follow Kaplan on Facebook to keep up with her events.

Jean Quan's neighborhood House Parties have been happening since last Fall.  Make sure to make it to one!

Follow Quan on Facebook and make it out to one.

Greg Harland lists events on his Mayoral candidacy site.

Oakland Local will follow Kaplan's and the other mayoral, City Council and Alameda county campaigns throughout this busy summer.  Keep us on your radar, and we'll keep you informed about the developments in the races at OaklandLocal.com/topics/Election2010.

Have questions for candidates? Post here or send to editor@oaklandlocal.com and we'll make sure to ask them.

Call to Candidates: Share your Platforms and Views on Oakland Local | Oakland Local http://bit.ly/ckJ6tN

Who is running for what? A reference list for Oakland and Alameda County | Oakland Local http://bit.ly/avuFNy

Note: Publication does not consider endorsement of any candidates or views.

See election coverage at http://oaklandlocal.com/tags/election