Friday, June 27, 2008
D-Day for Deborah Edgerly
Politics Fri, Jun 27, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Article Tools
If it's Monday, this must be Decision Time for embattled City Administrator Deborah Edgerly. Last week, after Edgerly allegedly used her authority to interfere with a police investigation into West Oakland street gangs, Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums reportedly gave her until today to decide whether to quit, retire, or be fired. Will she go quietly? Not if her most recent remarks are any indication. After the news broke Friday morning, Edgerly issued a public statement, which we'll print after the jump:
"The rumors and press stories this week are shocking. Shocking because they are untrue and unfounded. Shocking because the safety of West Oakland, my lifetime home, and the safety of all Oakland residents, is what I devote 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in my service as City Administrator to protect. Shocking because I am being tried in the court of public opinion by rumor, innuendo and presumption of guilt.
"There is obviously much more to this story than can be revealed at this time or in this setting, given that an investigation is now underway. I welcome this investigation and am cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities so that the truth will emerge. I am confident that when it does, you will see a very different picture.
"I have lived in Oakland my entire life and dedicated myself to serving it with pride - faithfully and honorably - for more than 20 years. I will not allow these allegations to define my fine career of service to this city that I love."
So is Edgerly's "fine career" over? Will Oakland have to do without her services? Will we even find out today, or will she get a few more days to at least make it look like she's going out on her own terms? And who will replace her? Where's Bob Bobb when you need him? (hat tip: Future Oakland)
— Chris Thompson
Showing 1-5 of 5
Thanks for the shout-out.
The answer one of your questions - Robert Bobb is in DC, where he was won a citywide election to President of the School Board in 2006. He's not coming back.
what about the implications that edgerly herself is involved in gang activity? whatever the case, time to fire her and look into city staff from top to bottom. nepotism and ineptitue are rampant, edgerly and the bakery at the core of it all.
Why would we want to lose such a soldier for the people of Oakland who is dedicating her life for the service of her community. She's born and bred here. She belongs to the community and not the jealous bureaucracy who just wants someone controllable to replace her. If you want someone like her out, maybe it's time for you to leave as you reflect a true sign of what we don't want in Oakland. And just so you know, we don't want people who are afraid to ask cops questions in situations that seem unfair. We don't want people who are burdened by the fact that they have to work for Oakland and can't wait to get away from the city at the end of their work day with a paycheck that is spent in another city. We don't want people who are afraid of Oaklanders, but have no fear of making decisions for the "those people". This is about backing someone who's always had the heart to back Oakland. Don't get caught up with the flash in the show, support Deborah Edgerly.
Why not let the investigation run its course. Edgerly didn't know her nephew had a loaded gun in his vehicle that night, nor that he was a suspected gang member.
A source said Edgerly told him Lovan called her to say he'd locked his keys in his car and left the motor running and the police were about to tow the vehicle.
Edgerly was nearby and went to speak with officers. When she didn't get a satisfactory answer from them, she called Jordan, who told her "she shouldn't be involved ... and she immediately backed off,"
You don't lose your rights as a citizen when you hold a public office. Deborah did not make threats. She was trying to figure out what was going on and when she was told it was not appropriate to proceed, she immediately stopped. Deborah did she abuse her power.
She is entitled to remain at her position until her retirement that she previously announced and she is entitled to depart with grace and dignity. She is an intelligent, honest and descent woman that does not deserve all the hatred that seems to be surrounding her. I support Deborah Edgerly
MJ
I can't believe posters "MJ" and "Mrs. G"- Edgerly a saint? Didn't know her nephew was in a gang? Oh please! I hate people who only see this as a race issue and don't see that this woman has abused her power and should be fired and under investigation by the City of Oakland, the Attorney General, and the FBI. Wake up! Dellums should be recalled for his horrible non-action for the people of this city. This is not about race and Edgerly has been far, far too much in control and some would say aiding and abetting the Acorn gang. Fire her and recall Dellums!
Comments (5) RSS