Category Archives: Elections

Will the real progressives please stand up?

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Irene

Here we go again.  It is unfortunate that yet another Alameda mayor has been elected without majority support.  Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft won the seat with only 41.97 percent of the vote.  Blame it on Alameda’s use of a plurality voting … Continue reading →

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Best bargain on the ballot!

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Irene

For only $1 a month we can keep Crown Beach maintained, the Crab Cove Visitors Center open year-round, and much more.  What a bargain! Measure FF continues for 20 years the East Bay Regional Park District’s current parcel tax of … Continue reading →

Posted in Elections, Parks and Open Space | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Missing the Boat

Posted on July 9, 2018 by Irene

Current policy decisions are shaping our shoreline’s future, and Alameda is missing the boat. On May 30, the planning board unanimously approved a plan for the Alameda Marina that provides protection for three feet of sea level rise, even though … Continue reading →

Posted in Economic Development, Elections, Environment | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Sparks Fly over Utility Ballot Measure

Posted on October 6, 2016 by Irene

The “Utility Modernization Act” (Measure K1) up for a vote this November seeks approval of two unrelated utility issues in a single ballot measure, presenting voters with a dilemma if they favor one but not the other. As arguments emerge, … Continue reading →

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Parks and Wrecks

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Irene

It’s no wonder city council and mayoral candidates are focusing on parks this campaign season. Citizens have been up in arms over several park issues in recent years and have had to sponsor three ballot initiatives to keep open space from … Continue reading →

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Counting one, two, three

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Irene

It’s the same ol’ backward story I hear over and over again about ranked-choice voting being complicated.  Wrong.  It’s as simple as one, two, three. The conversation I have with people goes something like this:  “Ranked-choice voting is hard for … Continue reading →

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Open Primary Opens Eyes

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Irene

I couldn’t believe my eyes!  As I thumbed through Alameda County’s sample ballot and voter information pamphlet, I saw what resembled a campaign piece.  That’s right!  There in black and white, political party endorsements were listed. The county’s pamphlet, a … Continue reading →

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A Frank Assessment

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Irene

The end of the year is a time of transition for the City of Alameda.  Frank Matarrese leaves the city council, and Rob Bonta steps in.  Mayor Beverly Johnson and Marie Gilmore swap seats.  It’s more than musical chairs, the … Continue reading →

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In A Democracy, The Majority Should Rule

Posted on November 18, 2010 by Irene

As campaign signs were taken down around town and the victims of SunCal’s wrath were trying to recover from a bitter election aftertaste, voters couldn’t help but notice the results of the race for mayor in Oakland. Oakland for the … Continue reading →

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