During the campaign, I held town hall-style meetings throughout the city to listen to what Sacramento voters wanted in their next Mayor. Most of them drew anywhere from 75 to 150 people, with a couple topping the 200 mark. So I didn't know quite what to expect when I held my first Town Hall meeting as Mayor -- something I promised to continue doing if I was elected.
Needless to say, I was blown away by the turnout tonight at Lisbon Elementary School in the Pocket. More than 350 neighbors packed the auditorium on a chilly January evening to talk about the issues before our city.
Joined by Police Chief Rick Braziel, I focused the discussion on public safety. I told the audience that we face some difficult choices in the next few months -- made more difficult by the City Council's decision to refuse to have a review of city spending done by the nation's best independent consulting team. Once again, I heard Sacramento citizens loud and clear: keeping their streets safe is their top priority.
I also fielded several questions about the strong mayor initiative. Most of the audience members voiced their strong support. And even a supporter of my opponent in the last election said she was open to the idea. And after grilling me for a few minutes, seemed to come around in support of the measure.
There were many other questions -- about student performance in schools, ways to cut city spending, firefighters, with plenty of give and take.
Frankly, it was good to be back in the community and out of the City Hall bubble, to listen directly from Sacramento citizens what matters to them.
It was also heartwarming to see and hear from so many citizens anxious to make Sacramento a better place to live, and to take time away from their families to attend this forum, which was hosted by City Council member Robbie Waters.
I remain convinced that this people power will continue to play a major role in shaking up City Hall.
Watch for my next Town Hall meeting in February in East Sacramento.
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