Bryan Parker Statement On Smear Campaign:
I have been made aware of two police reports that were filed against me approximately a decade ago. Until recently, I had no knowledge of them being filed. I was never contacted by law enforcement and no charges were ever filed against me. I was recently made aware of these reports by an anonymous source who dropped them off in an unmarked envelope to myself and others with the clear intent to make me drop out of the City of Oakland’s race for Mayor. It is appalling that these antics are being employed to try stop change and to prevent our city from moving in a new direction.
That said, if fortunate enough to be elected Mayor of Oakland, one of the core values of my administration will be transparency. To be consistent with that value, I will briefly address these reports.
First, one of the realities of life is that unfortunately, sometimes, relationships end. Second, as we all know, the ending of a romantic relationship can be a difficult process. It was the ending of two of my relationships, both nearly a decade ago, that resulted in these incidents.
I want to state unequivocally that, in both instances, I behaved poorly and ungentlemanly, though I was never physically violent.
I was a younger man at the time, but still should have known better, and am deeply sorry for my behavior. I have apologized for and regret my actions. AND, I want Oaklanders to know that not everything contained in the reports is true. Most specifically, I have never brandished a weapon of any sort against anyone at any time in my life. While I do own a handgun for personal protection, it is kept legally and responsibly in a lock box at my residence.
In the decade that has passed since these incidents occurred I have sought and successfully completed counseling to assist me in controlling my emotions. I have strengthened my bond with God and deepened my spirituality in an effort to become a better person. I have continued to commit myself to this community and have dedicated time and resources to help victims of violence. I am currently engaged to a wonderful woman who is the mother of five year old twins. I am looking forward to being a great husband and father and raising my family here in Oakland.
Political operatives and candidates trying to distract from the real issues facing Oakland will try and make you believe that these past incidents are the most important issue in this campaign. I could not disagree more. This campaign should, and must, be about Oakland’s future.
Over the past four years we have seen our City ravished by crime without any response to correct it. We have watched our budgets drained and our economy suffer while Cities around us are booming with opportunity. We must change our approach and refocus on the basics: safe streets for our residents and our children, economic opportunity for all our citizens and a government that, instead of paying to repair the damage brought by violent and lawless invaders, actually provides services to the people that need them.
I am running for Mayor to move Oakland forward, and I will continue to engage on the issues that matter to the people, not the politicians.