On experience: Ignacio De La Fuente says 'Nobody can touch me'

Judge rules against lawsuit aiming to block Oakland ballot measure

Oakland mayoral candidate Ignacio De La Fuente speaking with a reporter following Tuesday night’s forum at Laney College. PHOTO/Steve Tavares

ELECTION 2022

Days until Election Day: 69.

OAKLAND MAYOR

—IDLF KNOWS BEST—Like several races in the East Bay this fall, the mantle of “most experienced” is viewed as a valuable moniker. Two weeks ago, candidates for San Leandro mayor looked like they were about to wrestle for the trophy of most experienced.

—During the early going of Oakland’s mayoral campaign, Sheng Thao almost immediately grabbed the experience card and ran with it. Through much of the campaign, Thao has asserted she is the most experience candidate in the 10-person field. The comment often draws frowns and pursed lips from some of the opponents.

—But until only recently these public forums did not include candidate Ignacio De La Fuente, the longtime former Oakland councilmember taking another shot at the mayor’s office.

—Following Tuesday night’s candidate forum at Laney College, I asked De La Fuente about Thao’s standard declaration about her experience.

“Do you agree?” I asked. “Obviously not. I served 21 years. I balanced four budgets in the City of Oakland. Experience matters. I like her,” De La Fuente said of Thao. “She’s okay. But experience-wise, nobody can touch me. Trust me.” …

MORE INSIDE:

• De La Fuente on working with a new council next year?

• Candidate’s cohabitating with new office in SLZ

• Judge gives Oakland ballot measure a reprieve.

• Campaign finance data