Anytime political races are competitive, the public benefits; and this potential mayoral race will be of great benefit to Sacramento, raising the conversation around public issues substantially, a very good thing.
Marcos Bretón: Ex-NBA star could rev up mayor's race
By Marcos Bretón - mbreton@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PST Friday, January 25, 2008
Kevin Johnson, the former NBA star and arguably the capital city's most famous native son, is seriously considering a run for mayor.
On Thursday, Johnson confirmed his "strong" interest in challenging incumbent Heather Fargo in the June 3 election. David Townsend, a local political consultant, commissioned a recent poll gauging voter interest in a Johnson candidacy and claims the excitement was high.
"We're confident he would win," said Townsend, while declining to reveal the numbers tabulated by pollster Jim Moore.
Johnson has not made a final decision on a possible run, but said he would make an announcement soon.
Whether or not this city would elect Johnson, it could only be a good thing for Sacramento if someone jumped in to challenge Fargo, who is seeking a third term.
"It's always good for a city to have a competitive mayor's race," said Robert Waste, professor of public policy administration at California State University, Sacramento. "If it happens, I expect (a Johnson-Fargo) race to be a barnburner."
