John Russo is a life-long Democrat dedicated to transparency in government and civic reform. He is a political leader in fighting for a strong, prosperous and healthy community.
In June 2008, John won his third term as city attorney of Oakland, California, after serving 6 years on the Oakland City Council (1994-2000), where he chaired the finance committee and was a leading advocate for fiscal accountability and government reform. While on the council, John implemented community policing, developed the first balanced budget in a generation, and working closely with the League of Woman Voters, authored Oakland's open government law called the "sunshine" ordinance.
John served as the president of the California League of Cities from 2002-03, serving a total of nine years as the Oakland mayor’s representative to the League board.
John is passionate that all Oakland citizens have a right to a safe community, good job opportunities, a thriving economy, and a responsible and transparent government. For over a decade, John has partnered with community groups and civic leaders to effect change and improve the lives of our citizens.
Explore this site, learn about Oakland's leading reformer, and tell him your great ideas about making Oakland the best city on the West Coast.
