Parra, Former Democratic Assemblywoman, Campaigns in Oakland for Meg Whitman

By Post Staff Former Democratic Assemblywoman Nicole Parra came to Oakland this week, campaigning for Democrats and independents to vote for Republican   Meg Whitman for governor. Parra, who represented Kern, Tulare and Fresno counties from 2002 to 2008, on Thursday visited Jefferson Child Development Center in East Oakland, part of the public preschool program that is struggling to stay open in the face state funding cuts. “Meg Whitman is the only candidate with the leadership and management skills to create jobs, end budget stalemates and put Californians back to work. She will bring common sense and accountability to Sacramento at a time we need it most,’’ said Parra, who is working for the Whitman campaign. As for Democrat Jerry Brown, “He’s had his time,” she said. Two years ago, she changed her party affiliation from Democrat to “Decline to State.” She met children and a teacher at Jefferson as part of the tour conducted by Board of Education Member Noel Gallo, who said he has been talking to Democrats and Republicans trying to save the 31 preschools that serve 3,000 children, many of whose parents could lose their jobs if they have nowhere to leave their children. Seeking to encourage legislators to visit Oakland schools, Gallo that at this point he is having more success with Republicans than Democrats. According to Gallo, the Whitman campaign has been helpful setting up conversations with Republicans legislators, as childcare backers struggle to gain the handful of Republican votes that they need to save the program.