Proposed Howard Terminal Ballpark ballot measure moves to the full Oakland City Council

Sanchez, Castro declare victories, while Ahern, Monroe concede; Chabot-Las Positas trustee dies; election results update

The details about Oakland Councilmember Noel Gallo’s ballpark ballot measure is unknown.

ROOTED IN OAKLAND

The Intersection of Sports and Government

—BALLPARK BALLOT MEASURE—Oakland Councilmember Noel Gallo’s proposal for an advisory measure on the November ballot that could determine the fate of the Athletics’ Howard Terminal ballpark project is scheduled to be heard at the Oakland City Council’s July 5 meeting.

—The Oakland City Council Rules Committee moved Gallo’s item forward on Thursday morning. There was little substantive discussion on the merits of placing an advisory ballot measure before voters that might only hold symbolic weight. “Allow the voters, the residents, the taxpayers to have a voice,” Gallo said.

—Oakland Councilmember Dan Kalb, who abstained, said he isn’t ready to talk about a ballot measure until he views the offer currently being negotiated by the city administration and the Oakland Athletics.

—However, if the proposed offer does not fully protect the city’s finances, he would support a ballot measure being placed in a special election early next year.

—Kalb’s comments, however, appeared to have been tailored toward sending a message to the city administration and A’s ownership. Kalb said if the details of the financial package does not include “backstops” to protect the city’s finances, “then I’m going to absolutely support a ballot measure.”

—Kalb forcefully added, “Negotiators: Hear my words. A’s: Hear my words, or it’s going to the voters.”

—When it comes to actual legislation, it’s unclear how far along Gallo’s proposed advisory ballot measure is when it comes to substance. Noticeably, a member of the Oakland City Attorney’s office urged Gallo to submit the proposed legislation to its office as soon as possible.

—For those reading the council tea leaves, there was no indication on Thursday that Gallo’s proposal might be able to gain a majority of the council’s support next month. Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas’ support for moving the item out of rules was lukewarm, stating a desire to merely begin a public discussion.

—Councilmember Sheng Thao, meanwhile, voiced the same concerns as Kalb, noting the council may not yet have the ballpark project’s financial proposal before them until September.

MORE INSIDE

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• Chabot-Las Positas mourns yet another trustee’s death

• Updated election results