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Kanitha Matoury
Kanitha Matoury ran in a special election to the Oakland City Council to represent District 2 in California. She lost in the special general election on April 15, 2025.
Biography
Kanitha Matoury served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 2000 to 2009. She earned a high school diploma from Berkeley High School and an associate degree from the Diablo Valley College. Her career experience includes working as a business owner and president.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: City elections in Oakland, California (2025)
General election
General election for Oakland City Council District 2
The ranked-choice voting election was won by Charlene Wang in round 5 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.
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Total votes: 12,583 |
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 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Matoury in this election.
2024
See also: City elections in Oakland, California (2024)
General election
General election for Oakland City Council At-large
The ranked-choice voting election was won by Rowena Brown in round 9 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.
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Total votes: 144,857 |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Matoury in this election.
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Kanitha Matoury did not complete Ballotpedia's 2025 Candidate Connection survey.
2024
Kanitha Matoury completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Matoury's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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For example, many don’t know that Oakland has a $1.9 billion debt, with roughly $150 million in interest payments annually—the highest in our state. With my finance background and 20 years of balancing budgets as a business owner, I will push City Hall to stay focused on this urgent issue. To be upfront: my campaign does not accept corporate or special interest money. I believe you, the voter, always come first. And I will push for contracting independent auditors to cut unnecessary spending and streamline our permitting and approval processes, especially to expedite construction of affordable housing. Barack Obama once said, "small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our communities." I agree, and have a business stimulus plan to jumpstart our economy while also helping fund police, fire and the cultural arts programs that engage our youth and help keep our streets safe.
As a U.S. Air Force Reserves veteran, I bring the accountability and teamwork skills that City Hall needs right now. With your vote, we will fix Oakland!- Safety for our residents is a top priority. I support increasing our police force to a minimum of 1,000 officers to meet the recommended staffing for our 911 call volume and overall public safety needs. This provides 50% more law enforcement on duty per shift.
We also need to retain the officers we've invested in training, and restore community policing—including foot patrols—to build trust between officers and the neighborhoods they serve. Supporting and, if necessary, expanding proven strategies like our Ceasefire program is key to reducing violence throughout Oakland.
To protect everyone, I will push for increased investment in technology to enforce existing traffic laws, prevent car thefts, and stop dangerous street takeovers. - To pay for Oakland's essential services, including public safety, I will work to keep City Hall focused on our budget. With the highest debt per capita in California, we must first address our $150 million annual interest payments to the state pension fund. I will pursue long-term contracts with independent auditors to eliminate unnecessary spending and streamline city operations, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. To boost local businesses, my team has developed a stimulus program to support existing small businesses and provide incentives for new ones, driving economic growth and creating jobs. These measures will keep Oakland on a more stable financial path while enhancing the services that matter most to its residents.
- To tackle Oakland's socio-economic challenges, we must ensure housing security for all. Whether at risk, chronically unhoused, or low- to middle-income earners, everyone should have a home. I support combining encampment cleanups with wrap-around services to create safer streets and return parks to the use by everyone. I will streamline permitting and approvals to remove barriers to affordable housing investment. Additionally, I am dedicated to expanding pathways to homeownership opportunities through down payment assistance, low-interest loans, and inclusive zoning, helping more residents own homes. These initiatives will help make our city more affordable, livable, and equitable for all.
Comprehensive Representation: As an At Large council member, I represent the entire city of Oakland. This gives me a broad perspective to advocate for policies that benefit all residents, ensuring diverse neighborhoods are considered in citywide decisions.
Integration with State Government: I act as a vital link between Oakland and the state government, collaborating with state officials to ensure local policies align with state laws while advocating for Oakland’s specific needs and priorities.
Policy Development and Oversight: I help develop and oversee local ordinances in critical areas such as public safety, housing, economic development, and sustainability. By crafting tailored policies, I address Oakland’s unique challenges and opportunities, contributing to the city’s growth.
Advocacy and Resource Allocation: I work to secure state and federal resources, including funding for infrastructure, public services, and community programs, ensuring Oakland has the resources it needs to thrive.
Transparency and Accountability: Transparency and accountability are priorities in my office. Through open communication, public meetings, and clear reporting, I foster trust and stay responsive to the community.
As one of Cambodia's few female surgeons during an oppressive regime, she showed incredible fearlessness. In the face of impossible odds, she advocated for women's reproductive rights at great personal risk. This unwavering commitment to her beliefs led to her imprisonment, after which she was tragically kidnapped and permanently disappeared.
The works of Erich Fromm, particularly "The Art of Loving" and "Escape from Freedom," deeply resonate with me. Fromm’s exploration of human nature, freedom, and the significance of genuine connections aligns with my commitment to community engagement and empathy. I believe that fostering meaningful relationships with constituents is crucial for creating a sense of belonging and mutual respect within Oakland.
Dr. Seuss's books, such as "The Lorax" and "Oh, the Places You’ll Go!" inspire my dedication to environmental stewardship, creativity, and optimism. These stories highlight the importance of sustainable development and innovative solutions. I advocate for policies that promote environmental sustainability and encourage creative problem-solving to address Oakland’s challenges, believing that a positive and imaginative outlook can inspire collective progress.
Integrity and Transparency: we must be honest and open with the public. Only by maintaining high ethical standards, can we truly build trust and confidence among constituents. Also accountability: taking responsibility for our actions and addressing any mistakes openly, strengthening our relationship with the voter.
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth: Managing public funds wisely is essential. We have a responsibility to reduce unnecessary spending and handle financial challenges ensuring essential services remain sustainable. Supporting economic growth to ensure jobs, better quality of life, and revitalized communities is the work at hand for us. And we must always prioritize public safety-it is our responsibility to ensure communities are secure and law enforcement is both effective and trusted.
First, integrity is at the core of my leadership. I believe in transparency, accountability, and making decisions that are truly in the best interest of Oakland’s residents. Trust is essential, and I am committed to earning and maintaining that trust through open communication and honest governance.
Empathy and a deep connection to the community are qualities that drive my approach. As a small business owner in Oakland for over 20 years, I understand the struggles and challenges residents and business owners face every day. I’ve experienced firsthand what it’s like to deal with the city's complex systems, crime, and the need for practical solutions. This experience helps me relate to the needs of our community and guides my decisions to improve services for everyone.
Resilience and problem-solving are also essential qualities I bring to the role. Through my years in business and service as a U.S. Air Force Reservist, I’ve learned to tackle complex challenges with a strategic, solution-focused mindset. Whether it's balancing budgets, managing teams, or addressing public safety, I know how to work through difficult situations and deliver results. My goal is to bring that same determination to the issues facing Oakland.
Collaboration is another strength that will help me succeed in this role. Real change comes from working together, and I believe in building bridges between communities, other council members, and state and federal partners to create effective solutions. I value teamwork and know how to bring people together to get things done.
Integrity and Transparency: Honesty and openness build public trust. Being transparent in communication and admitting mistakes builds confidence in leadership.
Fiscal Responsibility: Managing public funds wisely is essential. Oakland needs to take seriously it's $1.9 billion debt and roughly $150 million in annual interest payments by careful budgeting and eliminating unnecessary spending.
Commitment to Public Safety: Ensuring residents' safety is fundamental. This includes increasing police staffing to recommended levels, retaining well-trained officers, and restoring community policing to build trust and reduce crime.
Community Engagement and Empathy: Actively listening to constituents and understanding their needs to lead to informed decisions that reflect our city's diverse perspectives.
Support for Economic Growth: Small businesses drive our economy. Supporting existing businesses and attracting new ones to stimulate growth, create jobs, and revitalize neighborhoods is fundamental.
Dedication to Equity and Inclusion: Policies must eliminate disparities in housing, education, and economic opportunities. Expanding affordable housing and homeownership programs for a more equitable city.
Problem-Solving and Innovation: Addressing challenges requires innovative solutions. such as improving city services and public safety by investing in technology and streamlining operations.
Accountability and Teamwork: Drawing from my U.S. Air Force Reservist experience, I value responsibility and collaboration for effective governance.
Accessibility and Responsiveness: Being available and responsive to constituents builds trust and ensures policies serve the community's best interests.
First and foremost, I want to leave a legacy of public safety improvements. Oakland deserves to be a place where all residents feel safe in their neighborhoods. By addressing the root causes of crime, increasing community policing, and ensuring that our law enforcement is well-trained and trusted, I believe we can have a safe city for every family and business.
I also want to be known for my commitment to economic growth and small business development. As a business owner myself, I understand the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Oakland. I want to leave behind a stronger local economy, where small businesses can thrive, providing good jobs and contributing to the vitality of our communities. By cutting bureaucratic red tape, improving city services, and fostering economic opportunities, I aim to create a supportive environment for Oakland’s entrepreneurs.
Additionally, I would like my legacy to include housing security for all Oaklanders. Affordable housing is critical to the future of our city, and I want to ensure that residents—especially those most vulnerable—have access to safe, affordable housing. By pushing for more housing development and streamlining approval processes, I hope to address the housing crisis and reduce homelessness.
First, citywide representation is a key feature of the At Large seat that often goes unnoticed. Unlike district-specific council members, I represent the entire city of Oakland. This gives me a unique opportunity to approach challenges from a broader perspective and advocate for policies that benefit all residents, not just one district. It allows me to work on citywide solutions to issues such as public safety, economic growth, housing, and environmental sustainability. With this scope, I can ensure that decisions made at City Hall are equitable and consider the diverse needs of all communities across Oakland.
Another important but less recognized responsibility is the power to secure state and federal resources for Oakland. As an At Large council member, I can advocate for and attract crucial funding to support infrastructure projects, public services, and community initiatives. This role goes beyond city budgets—it’s about ensuring Oakland gets its fair share of state and federal support. In a time when local resources can be stretched thin, this power is critical to maintaining and improving vital services and programs for Oakland residents.
Experience in government can provide insight into how systems work, how policy is made, and how to navigate the complexities of bureaucracy. It can also be helpful in understanding the intricacies of budgets, ordinances, and regulations. That said, experience alone isn’t enough if it doesn’t come with a real connection to the people and a genuine desire to make change.
What matters most is a candidate’s ability to listen to the community, to understand their needs, and to work collaboratively to find solutions. Being a business owner for over 20 years, I’ve dealt with many of the same challenges that residents and small businesses face every day—like navigating Oakland’s complex permitting processes, dealing with rising costs, and responding to public safety concerns. This hands-on experience has given me a practical understanding of how to improve the way the city works for everyone, from small business owners to everyday residents.
My background as a U.S. Air Force Reservist has also instilled in me the values of teamwork, accountability, and leadership—skills that are essential in public office. Whether or not someone has held office before, these qualities, along with a clear vision for the future and the ability to connect with people, are what make an effective leader.
First and foremost, the ability to listen and engage with the community is essential. As a representative of the entire city, it’s important to understand the diverse needs and perspectives of Oakland residents. This means being accessible, actively listening to concerns, and working to ensure that all voices are heard, especially those from historically underserved communities. Building trust and open lines of communication is key to effective governance.
Financial management expertise is also critical for this role. Oakland faces significant financial challenges, including a large debt burden and the need to allocate resources effectively across many competing priorities. Having a solid understanding of budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently, and that vital services—like public safety, housing, and infrastructure—are adequately funded. As a business owner with 20 years of experience managing finances, I understand the importance of responsible fiscal management.
Problem-solving skills are equally important. The issues Oakland faces—whether it’s affordable housing, public safety, or economic development—are complex and require innovative, practical solutions. Being able to think creatively and strategically, while drawing on input from diverse stakeholders, is crucial for addressing the challenges ahead.
What sets this office apart is the responsibility to look at the big picture and work toward solutions that improve Oakland as a whole. I believe my background uniquely qualifies me to take on this role. As a small business owner for over 20 years, I’ve balanced budgets, managed teams, and worked through the same bureaucratic challenges that many Oakland residents face. I’ve experienced firsthand the frustrations of navigating city systems and the importance of clear, transparent government processes.
In addition, my nine years of service as a U.S. Air Force Reservist have instilled in me a deep sense of accountability, teamwork, and leadership. These qualities are critical in an office that requires collaboration with fellow council members, city staff, and state and federal partners to bring about real change.
I’m not just focused on fixing immediate issues—I’m committed to finding long-term solutions that create lasting improvements for all Oaklanders. Whether it’s improving public safety, boosting small businesses, or addressing the housing crisis, I bring a combination of practical experience and a collaborative approach to solving complex problems.
Financial Transparency: I am committed to open records accessible to all residents including clear and comprehensive reports on the city’s budget, expenditures, and financial obligations. I strongly support contracting independent auditors to review city finances, identify inefficiencies, and recommend improvements. We must promote honesty to better prevent corruption and misuse of funds.
Government Accountability: I believe that elected officials must be accountable to the people they serve. It is crucial to hold government leaders responsible for their actions and decisions. Although unpopular, I advocate for robust oversight, including transparent procurement processes and adherence to ethical standards. By establishing a culture of accountability, I hope to ensure that city officials act in the best interests of Oakland’s residents.
Eliminating Unnecessary Spending: With Oakland facing significant financial challenges, including the highest debt per capita in the state, I am dedicated to reducing unnecessary expenditures. I will push to streamline city operations and eliminate waste through independent audits and data-driven decision-making. I am passionate about every tax payer dollar prioritizing essential services like public safety, housing, and economic development.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
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Candidate Oakland City Council District 2 |
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Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 10, 2024
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