Wherever she goes, whatever she does, trouble always seems to find Oakland City Councilwoman Desley Brooks. The list of scandals in her orbit has become so long that it has earned her the nickname, “the Trump of Oakland” among foes. Now, Mayor Libby Schaaf hopes voters will put a stop to it once and for all.
“One individual, more than any, someone who’s been nicknamed the Donald Trump of Oakland, who has engaged in unethical and abusive behavior has had a true impact, a ripple effect that really has infected the civility of the council chambers, as well as the professionalism of our city workers,” Mayor Libby Schaaf told KPIX 5 on Friday. She added that Brooks “has caused this city tremendous liability, money that should be spent on critical city services. I think she is the primary example of someone who is causing a toxic environment.”
Schaaf’s remarks followed yet another Brooks-related controversy. This time, the councilwoman is being accused of physically and verbally abusing a former aide. Just recently, the city had to pay over $3 million to an activist Brooks assaulted in a restaurant.
Come November, Schaaf hopes voters will send the councilwoman packing.
“I think it is important to call out the individual who is most responsible for creating dysfunction, drama, and abuse,” the mayor said.
It’s war.