Nadia Lockyer's Candid Resignation Letter

From Alameda County Supervisor Nadia Lockyer

Dear Constituents, Colleagues, and Friends:

Without a doubt, being a mother is the most important role and duty of my lifetime.  I can surely be a great mom and effectively represent the 325,000 plus constituents of District 2, yet not while also trudging the waters of early recovery from addiction and the aftermath of interpersonal violence. In AA and NA, days of sobriety are counted.  In motherhood, the number of days with a healthy level of stress and tears should be too.

While I can boast 77 days of sobriety to this day, I can barely count to ten in the latter category. For this, I owe my family, constituents, staff, and colleagues a huge apology. Reality is, I set my personal goals in recovery too high, and too quickly.  I got myself in a place called addiction all by myself.  A decade of non-stop trauma, pain, and loss are my personal excuse.  But this time, this recent trauma is just too much and something I can't ignore...and so...

Today, for my child, and in the spirit of Mothers' Day and National Victims Rights' Week, I hereby announce my resignation from the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, in order that I may focus on the well-being of my child, recovery from chemical dependency and interpersonal violence, and transitioning to work in the private sector.

I send my deepest gratitude and appreciation to my phenomenal, one of kind staff.  Their intellect, skill, and commitment are unmatched. They've carried a unique heavy load these past few months. Whoever is my replacement will be beyond lucky to keep them.

I am very proud of the work that I accomplished during the short year serving as Supervisor.  Multiple town halls and weekly coffee hours began to break down the disconnect often felt or perceived exists with County government; co-leading the County's creation of a more efficient, targeted, and dignified general assistance and advocacy program; ensuring that implementation of public protection realignment runs smoothly and initiating efforts to ensure Alameda County receives equitable funding. My office also proudly organized many events last year, including the Call to Action & Collaboration to Prevent Youth Violence, Children’s' Memorial, and Annual Hayward Volunteer Dinner.

It was truly an honor to serve each and every day with my gifted and esteemed colleagues on the Board.  I will greatly miss working with each and every one of you yet believe our commitment to improve the lives of others will bring our paths together in another manner soon.

I further extend a huge, heartfelt thank you to this County's top-notch CAO, and all of the stellar Department Heads, Management, and each and every employee for truly making Alameda County the best County in the State of California.

It has truly been an honor serving as Supervisor for the constituents of District 2, and for this, I am eternally grateful.

With respect,
Nadia Davis-Lockyer