Oakland mayors chief of staff fired after handwritten note is revealed in public records

Leigh Hanson, the chief of staff for Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, was fired after controversial notes she took during a March 2024 meeting were made public. The notes included a phrase suggesting the use of Black people as political tokens, triggering widespread outrage from community leaders and organizations such as the NAACP. This incident is linked to an ongoing FBI investigation into Thao's administration, which faces serious allegations of conspiracy and bribery concerning city contracts. The NAACP accused Hanson and another staff member of targeting Black leaders and manipulating community perceptions. Mayoral candidate Loren Taylor voiced his disapproval, stating that Black Oaklanders should not be treated as political pawns.

In a statement, Hanson defended her notes as a critique of a political operative hired to obscure the recall campaign's motivations. The fallout from this incident highlights the pressing issues of race, representation, and ethical conduct in local governance. As the community grapples with these challenges, the demand for accountability in public service remains paramount.