Ramachandran: I'm tired of constantly hearing, 'Well, that's just Oakland.' City needs culture of enforcement.
Briefly

The article discusses the financial challenges facing Oakland, particularly a $140 million annual structural shortfall. It emphasizes the necessity of civil enforcement in improving public safety and generating revenue to fund essential city services. The author argues against the common aversion to enforcement, which is rooted in past abuses, showcasing how enforcing civil laws can actually protect citizens and boost city budgets. By adequately funding parking enforcement, the city could recover substantial revenue lost to lack of compliance, fostering a safer and more functional urban environment.
Oakland needs to overcome its $140 million annual structural shortfall through civil enforcement, which can enhance public safety and generate revenue for city services.
The culture change towards civil enforcement can protect residents' health and safety while significantly increasing city revenue by recouping money owed.
Ignoring enforcement leads to lawlessness, which harms the community, and by investing in enforcement, Oakland could recover potentially double its costs in parking revenue.
Historical fears stemming from criminal enforcement practices shouldn't overshadow the benefits of enforcing civil laws that contribute positively to urban living conditions.
Read at The Mercury News
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