Oakland settles lawsuit that included allegation Sheng Thao missed the filing deadline to run for mayor in 2022

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☕️MORNING BUZZ

—A lawsuit that gave voice to allegations that Oakland’s 2022 mayoral election was compromised because the eventual winner, Sheng Thao, failed to register her candidacy before the filing deadline, was settled by the Oakland City Council.

The Alameda County Taxpayers’ Association and attorney Marleen Sacks filed suit against the city in February 2023 claiming Oakland’s city clerk incorrectly timestamped Thao’s filing for mayor.

The lawsuit also asserted surveillance cameras at city hall that could have provided evidence that Thao missed the deadline was deleted by the city.

The settlement to be formally approved by the Oakland City Council at its May 6 meeting will award Sacks $207,812 for attorney fees and costs.

Although the city admits no wrongdoing, the list of terms agreed upon include commitments that address several of the allegations made by Sacks regarding the filing of Thao’s candidacy for mayor in 2022.

The city agrees to retain camera footage at Frank Ogawa Plaza for one year, ensure the city clerk’s time stamping machines are in working order, and a pledge not to accept late nomination paperwork in future elections.

The settlement raises a stark question: Did Oakland elect, and then recall, a mayor that was not qualified to run in the first place?

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