Embattled Oakland Mayor Says He's Been Misunderstood
OAKLAND (KCBS) - The embattled mayor of Oakland sat down for a rare interview with a television journalist Monday, alleging that the media didn't understand him. He added that his real accomplishments in office were hidden from public view.
KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:
Veteran newswoman Belva Davis asked Ron Dellums on public access TV station KTOP what his intent was regarding returning to public office in Oakland. His intent, responded Dellums, was to tell supporters he was interested in running for mayor - but he couldn't do it.
"Several minutes later I'm getting ready to walk off the stage and I thought what have I just done with my life?"
During the interview, Dellums said one of his greatest accomplishments was securing more than $280 million for Oakland.
He maintained that he preferred to work behind the scenes, allowing the media to "miss" his story.
"I believe that the local media let this community down because they didn't assume the responsibility of being educative."
He was pressed about his inaccessibility in office. The former Congressman said he chose to spend more time with family, something he claimed he established before he was sworn in as Oakland's mayor.
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