Our city is full of complex problems which don't have 'quick fix' solutions. Despite the many attempts made by politicians over the years, we've made progress, although it has been slow. I can't blame politicians entirely for the problems we're facing day to day. There is only so much they can do... let's not forget, it's not usually just ONE person calling the shots. Part of the problems in Oakland (and Fruitvale) are unfortunately found in our own homes. We have to try to improve ourselves before we improve the city. We have to further educate our children in our home, embed strong values, teach them to respect others, their community and plant a seed of hope into their hearts that they CAN make a difference in the world but that it starts with them, with their own characters, with their own values. Secondly, I believe we need to develop programs which truly unite everyone in the community... blacks, latinos, asians, whites, everyone. As for crime, I don't think we only need more police, we need more UNITY in our commUNITY. We CAN push out the thugs, drug dealers and prostitutes if we are truly united. We have no choice of but to live together, we have to accept eachother and find ways to work together. Politicians talk about bringing us together, but they rarely do. They're out there campaigning talking about unity, BUT this unity can't come from them. It has to come from us. We have to organize ourselves with the help of strong community leaders that believe in us and our capacity as human beings to come together. A strong political leader with experience may help us set the pace, but we have to take the steps. We cannot sell out so quickly, either. The Democratic Partys' backing of Mario Juarez is very dismaying. Just because they endorsed him, doesn't mean he's the right man for the job. The Democratic party made a very bad choice, it was a very poor decision on their part in my opinion and I'm absolutely baffled by their lack of consideration for Mario's shadey background. I admit I am a swing voter that goes for the best candidate based on the content of his/her character, his/her past achievements and proven track record. I believe a person eyes reveal the truth and on one occasion, I came across Mario as he was out in public spouting his rhetoric. He came across, shook peoples hands, I shook his hand, he smiled amiably and when I looked into his eyes, I didn't like what I saw. It was my gut telling me something was fishy about this man. Just as quickly as he said hello, he looked away to the next person standing beside me and he went down the line and so on. He didn't care about me, he didn't take the time to even ask my name. He was too busy, it seemed. I asked myself "Who is this little fat guy in the fancy suit?" I received an email from a friend of mine with a link to a blog called Oakland City Crook and ever since, I have had my eye on Mario Juarez. I promised myself that I would everything I could to make sure the good people of Oakland knew what that little fat guy in the fancy suit was all about. It didn't take me long to figure out that Mario Juarez is not the right person to lead Oakland through it's most turbulent times. I strongly believe Mario Juarez would effectively lead us all down a destructive path, much the same way he has led his own life. If you're considering casting your vote for Mario Juarez, PLEASE, have a good look into his background and then decide whether or not you want a man like him running Oakland --- straight into the ground. This blog is a good place to start. This isn't about politics and it's not about race, folks, this is about right and wrong, about making a wise choice and making a foolish one. http://oaklandcitycrook.wordpress.com A very concerned Citizen

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