Help us improve in just 2 minutes—share your thoughts in our reader survey.
Merika Goolsby
Merika Goolsby ran for election to the Oakland City Council to represent District 7 in California. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Goolsby completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Merika Goolsby was born in San Francisco, California. She earned a high school diploma from Abraham Lincoln High School, a bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University in 2008, and a graduate degree from Argosy University in 2010. Her career experience includes working as a business owner. As of 2024, Goolsby was affiliated with ACCE, CBE, and East Bay Animal PAC.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: City elections in Oakland, California (2024)
General election
General election for Oakland City Council District 7
The ranked-choice voting election was won by Ken Houston in round 3 . 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.
|
Total votes: 13,439 |
|||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
Endorsements
To view Goolsby's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Goolsby in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Merika Goolsby completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Goolsby's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
- Affordable housing is top priority. Housing is a human right.
- Employment is my second priority. On the job training that allows people to provide their basic needs will change how district 7 resident live.
- Affordable housing and employment will get district 7 stable.
One figure I deeply respect is Rosa Parks, whose quiet yet powerful act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Her unwavering commitment to justice and equality, even in the face of adversity, serves as a profound example of standing up for one's beliefs.
Another inspiring leader is Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress. Her fearless advocacy for marginalized communities and her trailblazing run for the presidency in 1972 illustrate the importance of breaking barriers and fighting for one's convictions, regardless of the challenges encountered.
I also admire Angela Davis, a prominent activist and scholar who has dedicated her life to fighting for social justice, racial equality, and prison reform. Her ability to articulate her beliefs and mobilize others around critical issues serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one can have when standing strong in their principles.
Integrity: Elected officials should demonstrate honesty and transparency, making decisions that prioritize the public's best interest over personal or political gain.
Accountability: They must be willing to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, ensuring that they are answerable to their constituents.
Empathy: Understanding the needs and concerns of diverse communities is crucial. Elected officials should be able to relate to the experiences of their constituents and advocate for their interests.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital for articulating policies, engaging with the public, and fostering dialogue with constituents and stakeholders.
Vision: A clear and compelling vision for the future of the community or region is important. Elected officials should be able to set goals and inspire others to work towards them.
Collaboration: The ability to work with others, including fellow officials, community organizations, and citizens, is essential for building consensus and achieving positive outcomes.
First and foremost, my dedication drives me to commit wholeheartedly to the responsibilities and duties of public service. I understand the importance of being fully engaged in the needs and concerns of the community I serve, and I am willing to put in the time and effort required to make a meaningful impact.
Being a good listener is another essential quality I bring to the table. I recognize that effective leadership involves understanding the diverse perspectives and needs of constituents. By actively listening to their concerns, I can make informed decisions that truly reflect the community’s interests.
Integrity is at the core of my values. I believe that trust is foundational in any leadership role, and I strive to uphold the highest ethical standards in all my actions. By being transparent and honest in my dealings, I can foster trust and confidence among those I serve.
Finally, I am passionate about making a positive difference in my community. This passion fuels my desire to advocate for important issues and to inspire others to engage in the democratic process. I believe that genuine enthusiasm is contagious and can motivate others to join in the efforts for change.
Representing Constituents: Serve as a voice for the residents of District 7, addressing their concerns, needs, and interests.
Legislative Duties: Participate in the development, review, and voting on local laws, ordinances, and policies that impact the community.
Community Engagement: Actively engage with constituents through town hall meetings, community forums, and outreach efforts to gather feedback and keep residents informed.
Advocacy: Advocate for the interests of District 7 in discussions with other city officials, agencies, and organizations, ensuring that the district's needs are prioritized in city planning and resource allocation.
Budget Oversight: Review and influence the city budget to ensure that funding is allocated appropriately to address the needs of the district, including public safety, infrastructure, and community services.
Collaboration: Work with other council members, city departments, and community organizations to address issues that affect District 7 and the broader city.
Policy Development: Develop and propose policies that promote economic development, public safety, housing, and environmental sustainability in the district.
Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts and challenges within the community, facilitating discussions and negotiations to find common ground and solutions.
Monitoring City Services: Oversee the delivery of city services in District 7, ensuring that residents receive quality services in areas such as waste management, public transportation, and public safety.
Promoting Inclusivity: Work to ensure that all community members, including marginalized and underrepresented groups, have access to resources and opportunities.
By prioritizing affordable housing initiatives, I aim to ensure that everyone in District 7 has the opportunity to secure a stable living environment. This foundation is crucial for enabling individuals to seek employment and contribute positively to society. I believe that when people are housed, they are more likely to find stable jobs, which in turn can lead to a thriving local economy.
In addition to increasing access to housing, my goal is to drastically raise employment levels in District 7. By collaborating with local businesses, educational institutions, and workforce development programs, I hope to create a robust job market that offers diverse opportunities for residents. This increased employment will not only empower individuals but also contribute to the overall economic stability of the district.
I also recognize that addressing homelessness and providing employment opportunities can lead to a significant reduction in crime rates. When individuals are not in desperate situations, they are less likely to engage in survival crimes driven by necessity. By creating an environment of stability and opportunity, we can foster safer neighborhoods and a stronger sense of community.
I can still recall the moment the ground began to shake—initially a slight tremor that quickly escalated into a powerful jolt. The house shook, and I felt a sense of panic as objects rattled around me. I remember rushing to a doorway for safety, as we had been taught in school. After the shaking stopped, the silence was eerie, followed by the sounds of sirens and people outside.
The news coverage that followed was extensive, showing the destruction and chaos that unfolded across the Bay Area. I was struck by the images of collapsed structures and the stories of those affected. It was a sobering moment for my community, highlighting the vulnerability we all shared living in such a seismically active region.
It was both exciting and challenging. I learned how to handle rejection gracefully and celebrate small victories when I successfully signed up a new subscriber. This job also helped me develop a sense of responsibility and independence, as I managed my own schedule and set goals for the number of subscriptions I aimed to sell each week. The interactions I had with different people gave me insight into diverse perspectives and the importance of effective communication.
A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish
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
2024 Elections
External links
|
Candidate Oakland City Council District 7 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 1, 2024
| |||||||||
