By Mayor Kevin Johnson
Last night’s Council meeting was a tough one.
Going into the meeting, I was confident all of my colleagues would vote to direct the City Attorney to draft language for the initiative.
Sure, we have opinions about charter reform. We agree on some pieces, disagree on others. Some opinions are passionate, others politically motivated.
But I was not requesting that my colleagues endorse reform; I was asking Council to endorse the public’s right to choose to reform its government.
Unfortunately, Council voted to prevent that.
But we did not lose. Sacramento did not lose.
In boxing, sometimes the outmatched fighter who leaves it all in the ring emerges victorious – even in defeat.
Sure, we did not get the outcome we expected or wanted. But the hundreds of supporters who attended to support their right to vote saw what Sacramento is made of.
We will continue to challenge those who defend the status quo. We will continue to fight for reform.
Paraphrasing the song by Chumbawamba: we get knocked down, but we’ll get up again. You’re never gonna keep us down.
10 Comments
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0 agree
Her depth and breadth of faith was nurtured by his grandmother at a young age Reply
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rlmiller
1 years 328 days ago
0 agree
“Change starts when someone sees the next step.”
William Drayton
The resistance of City Council clearly demonstrates the disjointed nature of our local government. There is no question that our city faces an important crossroad. We face two possible futures: one where we continue the status quo; or one in which we leverage our strengths, strengthen our Mayor to rebuild our city, foster innovation and attract people and businesses. It is time that the Council work together to turn this ship in a different direction. We need to examine our public policy habits that have caused decades of overspending, ineffectiveness and inefficiencies. If constituents of Sacramento want reform and change then Council must change the way they lead – and see the next step - endorsing the right for citizens of Sacramento to have a choice in reforming our government.
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Patrick Mulvaney
1 years 329 days ago
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I found myself cheering at the screen during your remarks, breath of fresh air.
Let me know if you need to point at someone who thinks we need to change Sacramento's structure of governance, my hand is up and waving.
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0 agree
Hopefully our Mayor will get past this "Strong Mayor" obsession and get to work! You have been Mayor for a while now and not much has changed. What happened to your Campaign slogan? Get to work Kevin and show people what you can do with what you have.
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Michael Scott
1 years 329 days ago
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Kevin,
This was not a vote against the Strong Mayor initiative. Rather it was a vote against YOU! Kevin, I heartily support your vision but the core of Sacramento simply does not trust you. This is something that you're going to have to overcome in order to make this a reality.
Change will be difficult here as Sacramento has a terrible self esteem problem. In general people here very risk adverse and wedded to the status quo. Good luck for you are fighting against a culture that is stuck in neutral.
Michael
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Ronnie West
1 years 329 days ago
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Sad so many people simply do not understand the structure of Sacramento's governance structure. On what grounds would anyone recall Mayor Johnson? Or Councilmember Waters? Or Councilmember Sheedy? There is no accountability. Everyone is in charge so no one is in charge.
Changing the governance structure to empower both the Mayor and Council would give a recall some teeth.
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Edward Diggs
1 years 329 days ago
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The problem is that most people expect a mayor to be responsible for what happens in his or her city like a president is. But a mayor cannot even order the city attorney to draft a legislation. There is a huge electoral disconnect between who voters believe is responsible and the reality of the mayor's influence.
The strong mayor proposal addresses that disconnect.
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Recall Johnson
1 years 329 days ago
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It is time to recall Johnson. His behavior last night was inexcusable. He acted like a spoiled brat. Was it really necessary to have a 30 minute tirad?
It is time to recall this guy who is only out to benefit himself. If he was worth a grain of salt, he would not need additional powers to get something done.
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jeff
1 years 329 days ago
0 agree
Its nice to see that Johnson lost. His head is to big for his britches.....I agree with Mizera..
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Mr. Pete Mizera
1 years 329 days ago
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Let it go. It's not status quo being defended, you are teetering on meglomaniac status, dude, otherwise you wouldn't have been whooped so BADLY! When Building-Permit-Scandal-Robbie is your only council ally, you are in deep trouble!!! Dump your entire staff (mostly that Maglagvio-whatever crook) and get on board with Sacramento! No arenas, no K Streets, no railyards. Get with it
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