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VIEWPOINT

Who's Trying to Buy Emeryville?

October 2007

It’s no secret that it takes money – often lots of it – to run for political office, so it was no surprise to see that most of the candidates running for Emeryville City Council this year are busy raising funds.

But more than the amounts raised, those who care about the future of our City need to pay close attention to the sources of the monetary, and in-kind help, being funneled to the various candidates.

Apart from our inability to endorse Shilen Patel for the Emeryville City Council based on his lack of experience, lack of community involvement and lack of demonstrated knowledge of the local community and issues facing it, we note something else disturbing about his candidacy.

Based on the latest campaign filings, as of September 27th, the vast amount of Mr. Patel’s funding comes from outside of Emeryville. In addition, Mr. Patel has received the endorsement of the Alameda County Central Labor Council (CLC), and should he be elected we believe his actions will be directed by outside organizations that do not have Emeryville’s best interests at heart. To quote from a letter dated September 26, 2007 and sent to voters in Emeryville, the CLC is backing Mr. Patel because he will: “…solicit our input, listen to our ideas, and promote our values.” We need an independent-minded councilmember who will vote to keep Emeryville on the healthy and prosperous track; NOT one beholden to outside organizations which do not have the best interests of THIS community at heart. Accepting a huge amount of support from outside organizations which are looking to drive a stake through the economic heart of Emeryville is not acceptable. Other than incumbent Councilmember John Fricke – who has formally endorsed Mr. Patel and is listed as an in-kind contributor on Mr. Patel’s most recent campaign filing, we can discern no true, meaningful grassroots support for Shilen Patel from within Emeryville.

Emeryville can take care of itself. We do not need outside forces foisting unqualified candidates on the electorate. You may have already received a letter, phone call, or visit on behalf of Mr. Patel for City Council. But beware: The “Friends of Shilen Patel” are not friends at all – perhaps friends of the Central Labor Council, but not friends of Emeryville. Trace the money, letters and phone calls, decide for yourself, then decide to whom Mr. Patel will owe his allegiance: the Emeryville electorate, or his out-of-town supporters.