OAKPAC ENDORSES DENNIS HAYASHI FOR JUDGE

The Oakland Political Action Committee (OakPAC) announced their support of Dennis Hayashi for Superior Court Judge of Alameda County. Founded in 1997 by the Oakland Chamber of Commerce board of directors, OakPAC strives to promote commerce and industry, advance economic growth, and enhance the quality of life in Oakland. OakPAC supports candidates and issues at the local, regional, and state levels that reflect the goals and objectives of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, which represents over 3,000 businesses.

OakPAC joins a growing number of state and local elected officials, judges, associations and advocacy groups that support Dennis, including State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, the California Nurses Association, the Sierra Club, the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of Alameda County, Hayward Firefighters Local 1909, and Crime Victims United.

ELECTION UPDATE!

DENNIS HAYASHI EMERGES AS THE LEADING CANDIDATE IN JUNE 5 PRIMARY

Dennis Hayashi was the top vote-getter in Tuesday's election, winning 43.7% of the vote out of four candidates running for the Superior Court Judge seat. The strong showing of 74,950 votes for Dennis demonstrated the people's connection to his experience as a public interest attorney and value of his work in consumer protection and public safety. There will be a run-off in the November 4th general election.

“I would like to thank the voters for their overwhelming support in the June 5th primary,” stated Dennis. “I am honored to be on the November ballot as the top-vote getter, and look forward to this opportunity to further discuss my candidacy and commitment to a fair and accessible judicial system with the residents of Alameda County.”

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The position of Judge of the Alameda County Superior Court carries with it great responsibility both to the legal community and to the comminuty at large. If elected to this position, I would work diligently to fulfill both.

I have had a lifelong commitment to public service. While an attorney for more than twelve years with the Asian Law Caucus, I litigated numerous cases on behalf of low income residents who faced discrimination or harassment on the job or threats to their civil liberties. I was proud to have served as co-counsel to Fred Korematsu, who successfully challenged and had his conviction vacated to his World War II conviction for refusing to report to an internment camp.

Under President Clinton, I was the Director of the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, responsible for ensuring the enforcement of the Age Discrimination Act, Americans with Disability Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. For 5 years, I served as the Director of the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, which enforces the Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Unruh Act and the Ralph Act, which addresses acts of hate violence.

Most recently, I served as an elected representative to the Board of AC Transit working to ensure affordable transportation to all residents of Alameda County.

My commitment to public services leads me to seek election to Judge of the Superior Court. I believe strongly that judges must be impartial and independent of the Legislature and the Governor. I believe that the courts remain accessible to all residents, regardless of disability, ability to speak English or income, and above all else, I believe judges must render decisions that are fair and free of bias.

If you believe as strongly as I do in a judiciary that is independent, accessible and fair, then I ask for your vote. Thank you.

Dennis Hayashi