Former Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo said she has been considering running for re-election. In news that would be welcome to many who still call her by her honorary title, Fargo said Friday she has thought about running for the seat she lost a year ago to former NBA star Kevin Johnson. "I have," she said. "Mainly because I'm asked all the time. "It was clearly a great honor to be elected mayor. It was very painful, very challenging and incredibly rewarding at the same time," she said durin... Suzanne bbbbmer 2009-11-26T23:25:26Z 2009-11-26T23:25:26Z

No, it wasn't intended to mean your desire to run for office. I doubt you'd be able to given the level of your rhetoric and currency on issues. I'm referring to your projection of psychological assumptions into Fargo's motivations and behaviours, which you couldn't possibly fathom, given your 'challenges'... Frankly, I think you're frightened by women in positions of authority, and that you lash out simultaneously at any and all amorphous parts of the body politic in no particular direction other than the general, with little to say apart from venting your spleen in a good kvetch. But free speech is free speech, and you can be as mindless as you wish -- perhaps one day you'll stumble onto a fact or two, and simply amaze yourself. Happy Thanksgiving....

bbbbmer 2009-11-26T23:25:26Z Jim Knapp 2009-11-26T18:04:50Z 2009-11-26T18:04:50Z

My own desires? What is that supposed to mean? Do you mean to run for elected office? LOL I am very aware that I could never be elected to any office, even if I had desires. I say what is on my mind and I have integrity. Voters prefer to be lied to and misled by slick marketing campaigns.

Jim Knapp 2009-11-26T18:04:50Z bbbbmer 2009-11-26T00:22:44Z 2009-11-26T00:22:44Z

A contributory reason Anne Rudin didn't seek reelection was because of death threats requiring her to wear bullet proof vests and to take other precautionary measures. Based on the virulence of certain people who post here and elsewhere, I can imagine that sensibility extended to Fargo as well. It's unfortunate that so much of the toxicity that causes such hate is manifested so threateningly rather than merely rigorously challenging an incumbent's record alone. Mr. Knapp, you seem to project psychological suppositions into Fargo's behaviours that would require extensive analysis on your part. Based on your posts I doubt that you have such expertise -- could your statements merely be reflective of your own desires???

bbbbmer 2009-11-26T00:22:44Z bbbbmer 2009-11-26T00:15:25Z 2009-11-26T00:15:25Z

I'd suggest you practice what you preach about substantiation of your charges, Mr. Knapp... You seek to impose upon me standards that you yourself cannot adhere to. Here on Planet Earth we call that 'hypocrisy'. Charter schools as a rule are nonunion. They have been devised as a means to avoid union teacher salaries and work rules... Johnson's St. Hope has been nonunion since its inception, and though there have been efforts to unionize there, they have been shot down each and every time, through some pretty scandalous conduct, like firing the teachers who tried to organize. If Ashby enters the race, and she becomes a 'public person', there will be many opportunities to discuss her own past behaviours and deeds. She was and is a supporter of Johnson as an alternative to Fargo, whom she publicly expressed contempt for, mindless though such a decision might be. In that regard, you have a lot in common with her.

bbbbmer 2009-11-26T00:15:25Z bbbbmer 2009-11-26T00:08:28Z 2009-11-26T00:08:28Z

Of course, Mr. Knapp, you issue that charge with not one whit of evidence to support it. You might study the law before making such charges, rather than merely spewing your daily bile...

bbbbmer 2009-11-26T00:08:28Z Jim Knapp 2009-11-25T21:54:11Z 2009-11-25T21:54:11Z

Fargo did nothing, the last few years the city grew out of the economic boom, it had nothing to do with her ability to manage. Sacramento's boom can be attributed to the economy, and the high housing prices in the bay area, which led many people and companies to relocate here. She was a weak mayor, and was a weak leader. The Developers developed this town and controlled every single move by the Council...and in return they made billions...and gave millions to campaigns. A monkey could have managed this town during the boom...and clearly several did.

Jim Knapp 2009-11-25T21:54:11Z Dale Kooyman 2009-11-25T21:51:00Z 2009-11-25T21:51:00Z

I believe that too, but some jobs that carry with them great passion are less stressful than others. The mayor's job is one of the most stressful as indicated by some of the scurrilous remarks above.

Dale Kooyman 2009-11-25T21:51:00Z Jim Knapp 2009-11-25T21:49:11Z 2009-11-25T21:49:11Z

Fargo's passion emits from her narcissism, her need for power, a driver, short hours, two-three martini lunches all paid for by developers and a fat public benefits package.

Jim Knapp 2009-11-25T21:49:11Z Jim Knapp 2009-11-25T21:42:33Z 2009-11-25T21:42:33Z

"...virulently anti union practices..." Really now... Name his anti union practices. And what "backstory" on Ashby do you speak of??? Not that I support her... but if you claim to have any info on her then spit it out... don't just imply something. And btw, Ashby refused to back Johnson in the Mayoral election.. so what evidence do you have that she would be a KJ suckup?

Jim Knapp 2009-11-25T21:42:33Z TAB 2009-11-25T12:56:28Z 2009-11-25T12:56:28Z

Dale says regarding fargo coming back "but at what cost to her health" I have found that production is the basis for morale and even health. I believe that if one is truly doing what one is doing in life which carries a great passion that the wins from doing that are reflective in better mental and physical health. I believe it would be a very healthy move if this is what she wants. How many of us can say that we have a passion for the 8 to 5 job? not many I suspect.

TAB 2009-11-25T12:56:28Z bbbbmer 2009-11-25T07:31:26Z 2009-11-25T07:31:26Z

Actually the animus from Bill Camp and a majority of the labor council started with the Sutter expansion agreements -- NOT the railyards. But Camp has learned his lesson for supporting the DINO KJ -- and has come out squarely against the SMI and the covert GOP sourced tactics used by this mayor in pursuing his power grab. As far as union support for Fargo, though Camp was able to muster a majority of the labor council board last year, many other unions, including those of the building trades, supported her candidacy heartily, perhaps fueled by a contempt against the wannabe Republican and virulently anti union practices of Johnson... That's all ancient history, and those who stupidly backed Johnson have now recited their mea culpas, and it's time to move forward -- either to recall this profoundly unfit mayor, or to support an emerging candidate to replace him and demonstrate true leadership behaviour instead of the childish rantings of a rhetorically challenged moron and the tribe of corrupt suckups that trail him. I would suggest that Ray Tretheway will serve another term, though challenged by the neighborhood gadfly and irresponsible media 'servicer' (again, I'd like to use another term for her behaviour, but it's nearly Thanksgiving...) Angelique Ashby -- whose peccadeloes are many and emerging -- we've had enough of bizarre behaviours among city officials and their wannabes for one year... Her backstory would curl what's left of Robbie (hiccup) Waters' hair... Tretheway's survival is predicated on his accommodation of KJ's SMI, acting as the 5th vote to bring the measure to ballot a few months ago... In return I'm betting promises were made at the meeting that took place at Tretheway's house where KJ asked for his vote, and among those promises might be to swing campaign funds toward Tretheway, and to quiet Ashby, who was an ardent supporter of KJ... Tretheway performed his side of the agreement -- it's now up to KJ to do so... Frankly, with such an accommodating Tretheway, Ashby's animus is neutralized in the eyes of KJ's suckups and backers. It's unfortunate that so late in life Mr. Tretheway lost all his principles in support of this profoundly unfit mayor, so for me, I couldn't care less whether he wins or loses. But perhaps this will open up the door to a more reasonable voice in that council district, one who would challenge this mayor's hubris and corporate zeal, who could also triangulate the vote and prevail against both suckups Tretheway and Ashby.... A victory against both would be delicious...

bbbbmer 2009-11-25T07:31:26Z bbbbmer 2009-11-25T07:19:42Z 2009-11-25T07:19:42Z

I agree.

bbbbmer 2009-11-25T07:19:42Z Dale Kooyman 2009-11-25T05:49:25Z 2009-11-25T05:49:25Z

Heather did a very good job as mayor, but she didn't have the "star" power Johnson has. As a result the media rarely covered things she accomplished. She didn't beat her own drum either, so many critics have no idea as to how effective she was. She led with intelligence and dignity (many people don't like or understand either), bringing divergent interests together as much as was possible. She would do a very good job again, but at what cost to her health?

Dale Kooyman 2009-11-25T05:49:25Z Jim Knapp 2009-11-25T05:37:18Z 2009-11-25T05:37:18Z

Ray Tretheway is going to be booted off the Council in the next election, Fargo will rethink running again after he is shown the door. She must have also forgotten that her own neighbors voted heavily to oust her 70% to 30%.... she only received the votes she did get because she was an incumbent who controlled the City's purse strings on no bid contracts. It would be a different story alltogether if she tried again at her age and in her frail physical condition...she would be lucky to pull 20% of the votes. HEY BBBBMER AND the rest of you unionists who support Fargo... Chew on this one. When the Railyards project started...Fargo REFUSED to get the developer to agree to a union labor agreement. She SOLD OUT the unions on the Railyards.....The largest public infill project in the nation and Fargo did not push for a labor agreement.... NICE ONE HEATHER.... Why do you think the Central Labor Council was pissed and supported Johnson....BECAUSE OF HER LACK OF UNION SUPPORT when it really came down to brass tacks...sure she kissed union ass to get elected...but when push came to shove... she turned her back on labor in favor of well connected developers.

Jim Knapp 2009-11-25T05:37:18Z Jim Knapp 2009-11-25T05:23:49Z 2009-11-25T05:23:49Z

Integrity? LOL thats a laugh Fargo was as corrupt as they come. She should have been indicted for many of the deals she did.... the fat payoffs to developers friends who supported her campains - as in getting hundreds of millions of dollars in no bid contracts with SHRA and the City.

Jim Knapp 2009-11-25T05:23:49Z Jim Knapp 2009-11-25T05:20:35Z 2009-11-25T05:20:35Z

Start rattling off a list of people you think are qualified to be the next Weak Mayor of this town William. It really doesn't really matter who is the next mayor if we dont have a strong mayor. Johnson will clearly be shown the door... So who is in the batters box besides the old tired has beens like Kerth, Fargo, Pane, Fong, Ortiz, et al...same old tired scumbags owned by the developers and with no new ideas.

Jim Knapp 2009-11-25T05:20:35Z William Burg 2009-11-25T04:49:53Z 2009-11-25T04:49:53Z

I think Jim Knapp's idea of the perfect candidate is someone who has no interest in how government works and no desire to learn any more about it. If you actually know something about the system or the people in it, you become a "politician" and are therefore no longer qualified to run for office. --your friendly local neighborhood activist whackjob

William Burg 2009-11-25T04:49:53Z bbbbmer 2009-11-25T04:42:29Z 2009-11-25T04:42:29Z

I find it interesting, in a bizarre way, to see Fargo-haters issue such epithets with not one whit of evidence or substantiation. To say that the city was 'drifting' is a rather general, amorphous, sort of demonology, especially since absolutely no quantification of that ridiculous remark is offered. I believe much of what drove KJ's election was riding Obama's coattails (and the race card was definitely at play), the rockstar status of former basketballers among less-evolved voters, an anti-incumbency animus, and a hate for strong women as leaders, even as gentle as Fargo was. What we had with Fargo as Mayor was a quiet leadership, a strong institutional memory and awareness, and the promotion of much beneficial change in this city, particularly at its core neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations. She was at the start of that renaissance and nurtured it strategically, and it is to her credit that we now enjoy a central city that is brimming with culture, liveability, and GREAT restaurants... These are among the things that make great cities, and she helped bring them about. Since KJ took office, this city has dealt with scandal after scandal, and now this mayor's scandals are commanding national headlines. Instead of promoting a 'world class' city, this mayor is developing 'world class' scandals, and he's only been in office a year... Imagining the duration of his term with or without the passage of the legally flawed SMI is more of a nightmare than a dream... He should bow out of office NOW lest he take this town down with him...

bbbbmer 2009-11-25T04:42:29Z Rhys02 2009-11-25T02:17:21Z 2009-11-25T02:17:21Z

You have got to be kidding!! Is the mayor's office suppose to kept for those who can't find employment elsewhere. If folks are dissatisfied with Kevin Johnson, it is because he is TOO much like Fargo... The city is doing nothing but drifting, which is all it ever did under her tenure. One may not need legs for the job, but one does need a backbone. Sacramento desperately needs a mayor that will lead, not one who confuses consensus with leadership. Fargo had her turn and during her tenure every community surrounding Sacramento (even West Sacramento for God's sake) prospered and grew...but not Sacramento. For all that she touts about bringing homes back into downtown & midtown, the total number during her entire tenure was less than what Portland or San Diego did in a single year., Even Los Angeles has had more success..

Rhys02 2009-11-25T02:17:21Z Mathew Salisbury 2009-11-24T23:26:14Z 2009-11-24T23:26:14Z

Um, I thought the story was about Mayor Fargo, not Mayor Rudin.

Mathew Salisbury 2009-11-24T23:26:14Z tdramer 2009-11-24T23:08:10Z 2009-11-24T23:08:10Z

The former Mayor had very nice words to say about Mary Brill- one of Sacramento's most loved and productive community activists- at her memorial. Mayor Johnson- well he wasn't there because he doesn't even know who she is. Why? Because even though he claims Sac as his hometown, and acts like he's always had his hand in what's going on, he's actually been gone for more than a quarter of a century. It's not a bad thing, he had a fantastic career, and he worked hard to get it, but let's not pretend like he wasn't gone. A great deal of change for the better took place in Sacramento during that time span. I know, because I WAS here. Mayor Fargo's institutional knowledge is missed and should be utilized in some way. As Mayor again perhaps, but some new blood with reasonable aspirations for the amount of power one person should hold over others in City Government would be great too.

tdramer 2009-11-24T23:08:10Z ewhalen 2009-11-24T22:31:49Z 2009-11-24T22:31:49Z

Good story! Its nice to see what Mayor Fargo is up to these days. Congrats to Sac Press for landing the interview with her. Agree or disagree with her policies and accomplishments while in office. I think most would agree she served the public with integrity. I sincerely hope we will be able to say the same thing about the current occupant of the office when his service is done.

ewhalen 2009-11-24T22:31:49Z Oracle 2009-11-24T22:26:21Z 2009-11-24T22:26:21Z

Never quite thought of it like Knapp put it about no qualified candidates besides the leftovers who are always around. He's right. We do need fresh faces who are qualified for high office. Not the marijuana rights nutcases, the neighborhood activist whackjobs and bounty hunters who couldn't run a Burger King franchise. Where are the qualified candidates?

Oracle 2009-11-24T22:26:21Z bbbbmer 2009-11-24T22:16:08Z 2009-11-24T22:16:08Z

Mr. Knapp, the role of Jesus was cast long ago... I have no clue what planet you live on, but your expectations as to 'qualified candidates' are markedly different from my own. Perhaps that's because you're ill-informed, naive, or just plain... 'challenged' (oh, how I'd like to use another word for it, but it's almost Thanksgiving...)... Debra Ortiz is doing just fine as a consultant and in her current roles with nonprofit service organizations. We would be well served if she returned to elected office...

bbbbmer 2009-11-24T22:16:08Z Jim Knapp 2009-11-24T21:45:59Z 2009-11-24T21:45:59Z

There are no qualified candidates even on the horizon in Sacramento. This town does a horrible job at cultivating civic leaders. Well, outside of the developer owned machine. On good information, rumor has it that Deborah Ortiz needs a job in Sacramento. I suspect she will be in the race....again. We need to stop looking back for leaders.

Jim Knapp 2009-11-24T21:45:59Z Jim Knapp 2009-11-24T21:42:59Z 2009-11-24T21:42:59Z

LOL yeah big surprise.... All I know now is that bbbbmer supports him. Enough said. What cultural or civil rights issues do you speak of? He is somehow more culturally sensitive because he is Asain?

Jim Knapp 2009-11-24T21:42:59Z Marion Millin 2009-11-24T21:35:39Z 2009-11-24T21:35:39Z

A mayor with qualifications?! What a concept.

Marion Millin 2009-11-24T21:35:39Z bbbbmer 2009-11-24T21:04:01Z 2009-11-24T21:04:01Z

You obviously neither know him, nor know his record... He is a notable Sacramentan, sensitive and thoughtful about development, cultural, and civil rights issues. He would make an excellent mayor...and be a breath of fresh air given the current incumbent and all of his 'compromises'...

bbbbmer 2009-11-24T21:04:01Z Jim Knapp 2009-11-24T20:31:03Z 2009-11-24T20:31:03Z

Fong has been anointed already as the next Mayor. haven't all of you gotten the memo from the Democratic Party? I would rather have TotalDerelict as the next Mayor than that empty suit Fong

Jim Knapp 2009-11-24T20:31:03Z bbbbmer 2009-11-24T19:24:03Z 2009-11-24T19:24:03Z

LOL!

bbbbmer 2009-11-24T19:24:03Z sactoe 2009-11-24T19:02:22Z 2009-11-24T19:02:22Z

"She's good at taking trips on taxpayer dollars and not much else. " If you're so concerned with mishandling of funds you must be really disappointed about KJ's misuse and subsequent repayment of federal funds prior to becoming mayor.

sactoe 2009-11-24T19:02:22Z TotalDerelict 2009-11-24T17:29:41Z 2009-11-24T17:29:41Z

Me an Big Juicy likes mayur Johnsin!! The mayur gud to homless foks!!

TotalDerelict 2009-11-24T17:29:41Z Oracle 2009-11-24T17:17:01Z 2009-11-24T17:17:01Z

She'll get the butt-kicking of her life if she runs again. She's good at taking trips on taxpayer dollars and not much else. The city is beginning to operate like a real city and not Hooterville USA and her time has passed.

Oracle 2009-11-24T17:17:01Z TAB 2009-11-24T16:51:30Z 2009-11-24T16:51:30Z

I like that she got rid of all the parking meters. Downtown and midtown are more aesthetic and putting up those cool bicycle racks so i can park my bike as i am a midtown senior and ride everywhere in downtown and midtown. i like all the nice businesses she got to come our way too like fine restaurants. I have resided here for 8 years and i see stuff getting done for the better which i never saw much of in LA or now with the current mayor. And i certainly dont want this strong mayor plan become a reality my sentiments are the same as Heathers about that. You go girl. This resident of midtown would love to have you back you have my vote

TAB 2009-11-24T16:51:30Z bbbbmer 2009-11-24T13:15:17Z 2009-11-24T13:15:17Z

I believe the lasting effect of Mayor Fargo's incumbency will be the renaissance of Midtown -- she spearheaded this movement two decades ago, and as Mayor she aided the forces, the investment capital, and the cultural awareness that has made Midtown a WONDERFUL place to dine, view, and experience. She should be very proud of that. She was also instrumental in the adoption of equality ordinances for the LGBT community, despite the opposition of dullards like Jimmy Yee and Robbie (hiccup) Waters, whose own compromises are now under investigation. Her sensitivity to this issue is another hallmark she should be enormously proud of. With so many shoes dropping in the current Mayor's calendar about a past that is less honorable than it is scandalous, it is small wonder that many seek the quieter, saner, and more evolved leadership she provided this city. But, as she herself has said, perhaps it's time for a new mayoral leader to emerge from a potential candidate roster, and there are a few who would return the office to the dignified and collaborative role it was when she was Mayor. I'd like to see Rob Fong in that role. But I believe Bonnie Pannell or Kevin McCarty, if he was interested, should he not prevail in his Assembly race, would also serve this city with efficacy and aplomb. I believe it fair to say that few were more ardently in Mayor Fargo's corner than I was. I knew of her from her early days on Council as the neighborhood associations were just starting to have a significant voice in city politics. At the time she helped enable Midtown's 'traffic calming' efforts, which made a positive paradigm shift in the area's livability and real estate values. But her role currently sounds infinitely more interesting than the mundanities of city governance, and I wish her well in her current efforts, and I thank her for her understated and underappreciated service to our community. She was truly one of Sacramento's great mayors...

bbbbmer 2009-11-24T13:15:17Z bbbbmer 2009-11-24T12:59:59Z 2009-11-24T12:59:59Z

That's a pretty cruel thing to say about anyone, especially someone who suffers from a debilitating disease. People who make such comments often find that karma catches up with them only to plague them with the very debilitations they ridicule others for... May karma catch up with you, honey...

bbbbmer 2009-11-24T12:59:59Z