By R.E. Graswich
Special Assistant to Mayor Johnson
Many fine people from law enforcement have endorsed the executive mayor charter reform proposal that will soon be making its way to the city council, including police officers and firefighters.
But an endorsement by Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness shows a unique knowledge.
More than most residents, Sheriff McGinness understands what the words "government accountability" mean.
And charter reform is all about accountability.
The economic downturn decimated the Sheriff’s department. As if the economy wasn’t bad enough, Sheriff McGinness suffered from another problem: He was chosen by voters, but his budget is dictated by the County Executive, who is appointed, not elected.
As Sheriff McGinness said in his endorsement, “Sacramento has reached the point where it deserves leadership by an accountable, elected chief executive.”
He also said, “The lesson is that accountability is best served when the chief executive is required to face the voters.”
Sheriff McGinness understands the importance of charter reform. And he understands the city’s problems.
He is the chief law enforcement officer for the entire county, not just the unincorporated areas.
The Sheriff’s headquarters are in downtown Sacramento. Many of his operations are centered in the city, including the Courthouse and Main Jail. When deputies patrol in South, East and the northern regions of Sacramento, they often work alongside city police officers.
Sheriff McGinness and and Mayor Kevin Johnson don’t agree on every political question. But they do agree on Sacramento's need to reform its charter and build a strong, efficient and accountable government.
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