nba star

Kevin Johnson for Mayor

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Sleepy Sacramento has seen one of the toughest Mayoral races inyears, as two-term incumbent Mayor Heather Fargo is struggling to fightoff a challenge from former NBA star Kevin Johnson and a less knownfield of other candidates.
 
This one has been ugly, with Fargo benefiting from a $100,000independent expenditure from the plumbers union attacking Johnson'scharacter. Fargo has refused to condemn the attacks. Meanwhile, Johnsonhas been criticized for not appearing at citizens forums and havingmedia access tightly controlled. The Sacramento Bee has been under firefor biased reporting, and its editorial board strangely urged voters tocast their ballots for a convicted felon or a no-name candidate to tryto force a run-off in November (yes, the same editorial board thatscolds politicians for not making tough decisions).
 
The Sacramento mayor's job is essentially a cheerleader for thecity, given its limited governance responsibilities. Mayor HeatherFargo, who I twice supported, has been ineffective and offeredlackluster leadership for a city with so much potential. Kevin Johnsonoffers hope and change (does that sound familiar?), and the Sacramentonative is bursting with pride for his hometown that will no doubtresult in helping put Sacramento on the map.

Kevin Johnson Throws His Hat into the Ring for Sacramento Mayor

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Thank God. Sacramento's uninspiring Democratic Mayor Heather Fargo will have a race for re-election.

Former NBA star Kevin Johnson, an education reform crusader and neighborhood improvement activist, will be facing off against Fargo. Johnson is more than just a big name athlete with a fat checkbook; he's an honest, committed, and smart leader that the city desperately needs. Fargo's ho-hum leadership has made Sacramento "the little city that couldn't" -- a town with much potential but with a mayor that's more comfortable as a city council member than a leader.

Johnson has put together a talented team of Democratic backers. They include consultant David Townsend and much of the city's top tier Democraic leadership. Alex Traverso, communications director for Assemblymember Lloyd Levine, is expected to handle press duties.

Image courtesy Sacramento Bee.

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