Press Release, Mindy Pechenuk, still candidate for Oakland Mayor 2025
April 20, 2025
Time To End Ranked -Choice Voting In Oakland!
For reasons which I will summarize below, I, Mindy Pechenuk now having run in two elections in Oakland declare that we must put an end to Ranked-Choice Voting in Oakland. Ranked-Choice Voting is a disaster for our democracy for the following reasons.
1) Ranked-Choice Voting is inherently a violation of ' one man, one vote". It is unfair that voters who rank only one candidate are effectively disenfranchised when the vote goes into later rounds and their vote is discarded. This is what actually happened both in 2010 and 2022 Oakland Mayoral races. Details available .
2) Ranked-Choice Vote elections lack transparency. The corporate secrecy of the "complex algorithm" is impossible to observe and difficult to audit. Again the 2022 Oakland School Board race in District 4 is a prime example.
3) Ranked-Choice Voting has not made election costs cheaper; it has not led to higher turnouts as promised.
Throughout the United States there is a public outcry against Ranked-Choice Voting. It is only used in 3 out of 50 states and 50 out of 19,000 incorporated cities and towns. The opposition to Ranked-Choice Voting is across the board and political spectrum. Check out these references.
1. Washington Examiner- April 19, 2025
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/3384588/oakland-ranked-choice-voting-disaster/
2. Donald Trump on Truth Social- April 19, 2025
"RANKED-CHOICE VOTING IS ONE OF THE GREATEST THREATS TO DEMOCRACY. It is a total, and very fraudulent, JOKE! "
3.THe Hill- April 18, 2025
https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/5253950-ranked-choice-voting-unpopular-legislatures/
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Mindy Pechenuk for Oakland City Mayor: A Vision for a Productive and Safe Oakland
What keeps you up at night? The price of gas? Job security? Parental rights? Drug addiction? Food safety? Healthcare? Safe neighborhoods? Water? Homelessness? Mental Illness? Treatment of our veterans?
The question we should ask is: What role should government play? It is time for a change.
Mindy Pechenuk Pledges Innovative Leadership as Oakland's Next Council Member At Large
Mindy Pechenuk is stepping forward to address the critical challenges facing Oakland today. Under current management, Oakland faces a daunting $177 million general fund deficit, with additional financial shortfalls projected in the future. This is not just a result of miscalculation; it is a crisis born of years of mismanagement and misplaced priorities. Mindy's campaign for City Council At Large is founded on a commitment to realign Oakland's fiscal policies and restore the city's foundational strengths.
Financial Reform and Accountability Mindy proposes a bold, transparent financial overhaul beginning with a comprehensive audit of the city's and related NGOs' bank accounts. Her strategy pivots away from ineffective and unaccountable spending towards investments that tackle the root causes of Oakland’s challenges. This includes a decisive move away from temporary fixes and corrupt practices that drain city resources without delivering real benefits to the community.
Public Safety and Infrastructure Public safety is non-negotiable. Mindy plans to significantly increase police presence and support this enhancement with National Guard resources and other assets to ensure that our streets are safe. She also prioritizes the cleanliness and usability of our public spaces, pledging to increase efforts to keep streets free of garbage and debris—a basic function of city management that has been long neglected.
Homelessness and Social Issues Mindy rejects temporary, ineffective solutions for homelessness and drug abuse, advocating for a robust approach that assesses individual needs, from employment to mental health services and drug rehabilitation. Her plan includes collaborating with state resources to ensure that every citizen has the support they need to contribute positively to our community.
Education Reform Education is a cornerstone of Mindy’s campaign. Recognizing the dire need for improvement in Oakland's educational outcomes, she proposes an overhaul of the current system. This involves the creation of specialized classes to cater to students who are behind, fostering an environment where every child can succeed. Mindy is also calling for the freedom for teachers to develop curriculums that include a broad range of subjects from the arts to the sciences, ensuring that after school programs that focus on a variety of skills are accessible to all students.
A Call to Action Mindy Pechenuk believes in an Oakland that can once again be a beacon of prosperity and community. Her leadership promises to cut through the bureaucratic red tape and bring about substantial, positive change. Join her in a united effort to restore and revitalize Oakland—let's together reinstate a vision of greatness and functionality for our city.
Mindy Pechenuk is not just running for office; she is advocating for a revolution in the way Oakland is managed. With a clear vision and decisive actions, she is dedicated to transforming our city into a place where every resident can thrive. Join her campaign and be a part of building a brighter future for Oakland.