.Mayor and Council Should Ignore Parcel Tax Poll

Over the past several weeks, Oakland Mayor Jean Quan has been touting a recent poll as a reason to call for a special election so that voters can weigh-in on her parcel tax plan. Quan has said that the poll provides proof that the $80-a-year parcel tax has a good chance of passing. But this week, Quan turned down public records requests to release the poll, saying it was conducted by a private party that doesn’t want it made public. Consequently, Oakland councilmembers, who ultimately will decide whether to call a special election, should ignore the poll and its alleged results.