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John Pelissero, the director of government ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, told KQED that it would be hard for a public official like Thao to govern after an FBI raid because there would be a lack of public confidence in their ability to serve in the public interest.

“And long before there’s even a trial, there’s the risk that the trust in the mayor and trust and in the city government of Oakland will be impacted,” he said. “From an ethical perspective, the appearance of serious charges pending because of the raid is going to undermine the ability of the mayor to carry out her duties.”

John Pelissero, director, government ethics, quoted by KQED.