Kenneth Kahn is running for Mayor of Alameda.
There is not a lot of information out there about Kenneth Kahn. Thanks to a commenter, we now know that he does have a website, albeit not a political one, but a website nonetheless.
The Alameda Sun reported this information about his run for office:
Kenneth Kahn is a lifelong Alameda resident who works as a substitute teacher, and occasionally, as a clown.
But Kahn said despite his part-time role goofing off at children’s birthday parties, he is deeply serious about the future of Alameda, saying that “an accumulation of things” led him to throw his hat into the ring. Kahn said the various redevelopment issues in Alameda, which are largely focused on the West End, are changing the character of the area.
“There was a community on this end of town,” Kahn said. “I want to keep that small-town feel. I think that’s a big part of what makes Alameda.”
He is an Encinal High School graduate (1980-1984).
And…that’s about all the information I have on him. As was mentioned in the Sun article, he is a political newcomer, although he does come from a very political family. And so, with no other information about him, I asked his family for some information about him and what they basically said was that although they love him, he is not an appropriate candidate for Mayor as it is complex position which he knows nothing about.
So, it looks like Don Roberts wasn’t too far off the mark, but he didn’t need to be utterly disrespectful about it.
And hey, if Starchild can run in San Francisco for every single office possible, why can’t Kenny the Klown?
If anyone has more information about Kenneth Kahn, please feel free to add it to the comments section. BUT…if you do post something, please make sure to cite your reference and add a link so that others can reference it.
Blogging Bayport Alameda 
When professional clown and sixties Prankster Wavy Gravy ran for mayor of Berkeley against establishment incumbant Shirely Dean, his slogan was: “Elect a real clown as mayor.” yuk-yuk!
Comment by Mark — September 7, 2006 @ 4:28 pm
This is not much of a “profile” considering that Mr. Kahn is going to be Alameda’s next mayor. To the Sun’s meager article on Mr. Kahn (AKA “The K-Dog,” and “K-Dizzle”), your readers may wish to know that Ken was once known as “Sweetness” for his basketball skills; he is the former author of the “Jet Noise” feature in the Alameda Times-Star; he is a former sucessful island businessman, having run Alameda Awards for a number of years and also Golden State Seismic; and he is known to produce the prolific mix-tape series “Just Klowning.”
Comment by Noah — September 11, 2006 @ 2:10 pm
That’s all very interesting, but does anyone have any information to offer on Mr. Kahn’s political views? He says he is concerned about redevelopment on the West End and wants to preserve “that small-town feel.” What are his specific concerns? What are his plans to address them?
Clowning, playing basketball, writing a (high school sports?) column in a local paper, and producing mix tapes are all fine pursuits, but they don’t really speak to a mayoral candidate’s fitness for the job.
The facts that Mr. Kahn is a lifelong resident, a substitute teacher (presumably in Alameda, though we don’t know), and a former owner of two local businesses seem a bit more relevant, but they don’t tell us very much by themselves.
Comment by Michael Krueger — September 11, 2006 @ 2:47 pm
Mr. Krueger,
The aforementioned skills and achievements are EXACTLY the reason why Ken Kahn should be the next Alameda Mayor. He is a “real” person, with a love of the town and its future. Show me another candidate with such diversity in thier background.
While development plans for the West End might be interesting fodder, let’s leave real estate and it’s development to the experts (like Don Lindsay), and leave the representation of Alameda citizens to Ken Kahn, who I would argue is more approachable and in touch with the average citizen than the other candidate.
Political stance? I think before we try to pigeonhole Mr. Kahn into one political camp or another, I saw you speak to the man himself. He is not a political party – he is a person with his own mind, and open to others views and needs.
If you want status quo, pick one of the other candidates. If you want involved, approachable, and fresh (and common sense) leadership, vote Kahn.
Comment by Mike — September 11, 2006 @ 3:01 pm
Ken Kahn, the next mayor of Alameda, has big plans for the Island City. He is going to appoint a new city attorney, currently working as a DAG in LA, and a new chief of police, currently working for the city of Berkeley. That is all I can say at this point. He is also going to address the “raise the drawbridge (to keep the “others” out of Alameda)” faction in town. It is high time that they were put in their place.
Comment by John Shasky — September 11, 2006 @ 4:45 pm
I believe there was also discussions of appointing an oversight position to address the issues with utilities, as well as a technology infrastructure board to move Silicon Island forward.
Comment by Richard James — September 11, 2006 @ 5:00 pm
Future Mayor Kahn also earned his sociology degree from UC Berkeley, studying under the great Harry Edwards.
Comment by Noah — September 11, 2006 @ 5:28 pm
Divisiveness and political stalemate has had a stranglehold on this nation and our city for too long. It’s time to unite under one pink spinning umbrella. Never mind a lack of a so called “plan”, I know in my heart that future mayor Kahn will bring the city together. Eastside, westside it don’t matter. So in the immortal words of Liza, “Send in the Klowns!”
Comment by Brock — September 11, 2006 @ 5:47 pm
#9 on today’s Most Emailed Yahoo! News …
Comment by alameda — October 3, 2006 @ 9:32 am
Conributor Shasky and Noah are the same person and a good friend of Kenny the Clown. While he has the right to his opinion, he does not live in town so does not have to live the effects of having him in office.
Comment by alamedan — October 3, 2006 @ 3:25 pm
Yo, “Alamedan”.
I am not “Noah”.
And you don’t know where I live.
Please mind your own business.
Comment by John Shasky — October 3, 2006 @ 3:42 pm
PS: The “effects” of Mayor Kahn will be all be positive for Alameda!
Comment by John Shasky — October 3, 2006 @ 3:42 pm
You talking to me?
Comment by Noah — October 4, 2006 @ 2:56 pm
If he came out in favor of all council members wearing clown noses at city council meetings – which lit up either green (aye) or red (no) for each vote, then I would give him strong consideration.
Comment by kamala — October 4, 2006 @ 3:35 pm
Alamedian:
I am not John Shasky. I support the only true option for all of Alameda: One Mister Kenneth “Mayor” Kahn. I also do not hide behind a fake name, like you. The current Alameda administration is rotting like Cream Puff’s corpse. We need fresh ideas. I say: look no further than Ken Kahn. I have read recent articles which suggest that a run for mayor is not an appropriate first step for an aspiring politician. To this idea, I say, the K-Dog takes inspiration from NYC Mayor (and fellow Jew) Michael Bloomberg. What do you know about Alameda politics, Alamedian? Where is Berisford Bingham now?
Comment by The Real Noah — October 4, 2006 @ 6:27 pm
I posted this in another spot, but I had an exclusive interview with Mr. Kahn:
theneedsofthefew.blogspot.com
Take that Jon Stewart!
Comment by Evil Spock — October 5, 2006 @ 2:01 pm