Oakland City Council President Kernighan's email to constituents announcing her decision not to run for reelection:

Dear Friends,

I am writing to let you know that I have decided not to run for re-election next November as the District 2 Councilmember. When my current term ends on December 31, 2014, I will have been a Councilmember for nine and a half years. Serving on the City Council has been an extraordinary experience and one that I have found very fulfilling. I am proud of what I already have achieved in this role and am gratified to have been able to advocate for the needs of thousands of residents. I am thankful for the partnerships with so many people in the community that has made our progress possible.

I will be retiring for purely personal reasons. I want to have time to travel, spend time with my husband and family, especially my little granddaughter, and do all the other ordinary activities that I have had little time for while a Councilmember.

I am excited that things are looking up for Oakland. We are poised for many good things and there is a younger generation of Oaklanders wanting to lead and contribute.

It has been an honor to represent you on the City Council. I will continue to work hard throughout the next year to make positive change in our city and to lead the City Council in my role as President of the Council.

With warm regards and gratitude for your continuing support,


Pat Kernighan
Oakland City Council President
And Councilmember for District 2
1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
Oakland, CA 94612
510-238-7002
pkernighan@oaklandnet.com