Leigh Hanson, former chief of staff to Oakland's Mayor Sheng Thao, was dismissed following backlash over notes from a meeting that suggested using Black people as "tokens" in political strategies. The controversial notation came during a meeting focused on plans to combat Thao's recall. Critics described the comments as racist, arguing that it reflected a troubling political viewpoint. City Administrator Jestin Johnson announced her termination amid ongoing investigations into Thao's administration, which has faced scrutiny for alleged conspiracy and bribery related to municipal contracts.
"Effective Sunday, Leigh Hanson is no longer an employee of the city of Oakland," City Administrator Jestin Johnson said in a statement over the weekend.
Critics of the former mayor pounced on the phrase, accusing Hanson of racism and claiming Thao and her supporters intended to use Black people as a political tool.
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