A’s owner donated to county supervisor’s re-election campaign; Wahab recall committee posts strong finance numbers

Wall-to-wall Alameda County mid-year fundraising reports and analysis

Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert is up for re-election next March and he’s voiced support for Howard Terminal and the A’s.

ELECTION 2024

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - DISTRICT 1

—SOMETHING FISHY?—A’s owner John Fisher has one cleat out the door to Las Vegas. So, why does he care about an East Bay officials re-election next year?

—Fisher, through the Athletics Investment Group LLC, contributed $5,000 to Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert’s re-election campaign, according to a finance report posted on Monday.

—It’s not clear why Fisher made the large donation. Is it a positive sign for those who want the A’s to stay in Oakland? Maybe Fisher merely admires Haubert? Or does it actually muddle Fisher’s own dealings in Alameda County?

—When it comes to Howard Terminal, the likely biggest vote the Board of Supervisors would contemplate is diverting future tax receipts due to the county back to the proposed waterfront ballpark district.

—Based on board discussions last year, Haubert appeared supportive of the idea.

—On the flip side, if the A’s indeed move to Las Vegas before 2026, they would be on the hook to repay the remainder of the money owed to the county for sale of half the Coliseum Complex to the team.

—Here’s the rub: If either of these items, or any others related to the A’s, ever came before the Board of Supervisors, Haubert would have to recuse himself because of a new state law. If a local elected officials has received $250 or more from an individual or group that has business before the jurisdiction, they can’t vote on the item.

—However, the elected official receiving the contribution can give it back before the vote and avoid recusal.

RECALL OF WAHAB

—STRONG EFFORT—The Committee to Support the Recall of Aisha Wahab had aimed for raising more than $500,000 in order to hire professional signature-gatherers.

—The recall committee fell far short during the first half of this year, but, nevertheless, posted $92,419 in contributions, through June 30, a strong effort for the nascent recall of the first-year state senator.

—The recall committee amassed a large number of individual small donations, many from individuals in the South Bay and Tri-Valley, according to the finance report.

—As of June 30, the recall reported $80,789 in cash on hand, with $11,629 spent.

—The impetus for the recall of Wahab, who was elected last November is essentially based on a single piece of legislation—SB 403—a bill that would ban discrimination in the state based on the caste system. Some Hindus in Fremont and the South Bay have labeled the bill “Hinduphobic.”

—SB 403 is due to be heard soon in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

MORE INSIDE:

• Campaign finance reports for every March Primary candidate in the East Bay, along with analysis.