Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao was served with recall papers Saturday, just under a year after she assumed office.
The recall effort is being organized by former Alameda County Superior Court Judge Brenda Harbin-Forte, who was removed from the city’s police commission by Mayor Thao last year.
The letter of intent blames Thao for Oakland’s rising crime rate. Thao is accused of creating a public safety crisis by “systematically dismantling the Oakland Police Department.” The letter also cites Thao’s decision to delay the police department’s exit from federal oversight and a missed deadline that resulted in Oakland forgoing millions of dollars in funding to combat retail theft.
“You lack the competency, credibility, judgment and ability to lead what was once a great American city,” the letter says.
Oakland has been without a police chief since February of last year when Thao fired LeRonne Armstrong. An investigation later found the termination was based on unreliable information. Thao has declined to reinstate him.
Thao and the city’s police commission have been unable to agree on Armstrong's replacement. Last month, the mayor rejected all three candidates recommended by commissioners.
In addition to Oakland’s public safety woes, Thao’s critics cite rising homelessness, infrastructure issues, and fleeing businesses as reasons to support the mayor’s removal from office.
Thao has seven days to respond to the letter of intent.