Mayor Kevin Johnson’s latest strong mayor proposal drew strong reactions from a councilwoman and members of the public even though it was not officially on the City Council agenda. Johnson’s new strong mayor package was taken off the agenda Tuesday night without explanation from city officials. Even though the proposal was pulled from the meeting, the council heard comments from several members of the public, pro and con. Then, Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy spoke of her opposition to Johnson’s ... KathleenHaley Devin Lavelle comment-22247 2010-02-14T22:27:33Z 2010-02-14T22:27:33Z That's an important point -- and a point that needs working on. No matter what comes out of the SMI debate -- the Mayor and the Council need to learn to work together. Both sides need to proactively work to reach out to one another to focus on dealing with the real issues of our city. Whether it's for two and a half more years or six and a half more years (or 10 and a half ... 14-1/2 ... 18-1/2, etc ... nor term limits, remember?), our city cannot wait for a new Mayor to take office to address with the very real issues facing it. Devin Lavelle 2010-02-14T22:27:33Z Devin Lavelle comment-22246 2010-02-14T22:22:44Z 2010-02-14T22:22:44Z Actually, to be fair ... There was one single mailer that he sent out that very briefly talked about SMI as something that we should think about looking at down the road ... then he proposed a fully drawn out SMI initiative less than two weeks after taking office ... Devin Lavelle 2010-02-14T22:22:44Z Marion Millin comment-22045 2010-02-11T18:49:29Z 2010-02-11T18:49:29Z And Mr. Rich, speaking of "for the benfit of the city that bore these native sons," when will Kevin quit squatting at Sacramento's historic public high school that rightfully belongs to the public? Marion Millin 2010-02-11T18:49:29Z Marion Millin comment-22044 2010-02-11T18:44:09Z 2010-02-11T18:44:09Z Richard Rich, the onus is on Kevin Johnson to use his position as mayor "working synergistically instead of antagonistically for the benfit of the city." This latest, desperate, last minute and illegal attempt at a power grab had Sacramentans calling for his RECALL. The onus is on this mayor to work with the system as it is and quit wasting his own and everyone else's time with more power grabs. If he can't do that, he had better explain why he is of incapable of being an effective and accountable mayor under the current system. Anyone in Kevin's fan club (this may not apply to you) who repeats Luntzian bumper sticker falsehoods, without any knowledge or engagement in the local government process and attempts to embarrass Sacramentans into recklessly changing the City Charter to fit KJ's agenda and temperment, is not offering "synergestic" solutions. They don't serve Kool Aid at the Cornerstone. Marion Millin 2010-02-11T18:44:09Z bbbbmer comment-22017 2010-02-11T09:48:42Z 2010-02-11T09:48:42Z Mr. Rich, 'like it or not'??? Honey, it's more likely KJ is at best a one-termer, if that... He's alienated (to put it politely) far too many of the wrong people.... And he's become a pariah among many of his former supporters, especially since far too many shoes have dropped about his past, and how he has handled himself on the public stage... And Rob Fong will make a great mayor... And you're right -- if you want to be in bed with KJ, you're not invited... bbbbmer 2010-02-11T09:48:42Z Geoff Samek comment-22015 2010-02-11T06:16:32Z 2010-02-11T06:16:32Z I appreciate your differing viewpoint and your use of the word "clatch." Geoff Samek 2010-02-11T06:16:32Z Marion Millin comment-22014 2010-02-11T05:39:43Z 2010-02-11T05:39:43Z 5thgensac, thanks for the heads up on the violation of the Brown Act. If Luntz has been involved for any length of time, that helps explain the over the top level of "appearances can be deceiving" at play here. Marion Millin 2010-02-11T05:39:43Z Marion Millin comment-22013 2010-02-11T05:34:33Z 2010-02-11T05:34:33Z She means from the Age of Enlightenment to the reign of the Roman Emperors. Marion Millin 2010-02-11T05:34:33Z RichardRich comment-22012 2010-02-11T05:30:48Z 2010-02-11T05:30:48Z The fact is incumbants get re-elected. Like it or not, this happy clatch is facing seven years of Kevin Johnson as their mayor so the real issue to discuss is how to get Rob Fong and Kevin Johnson working synergistically instead of antagonistically for the benfit of the city that bore these native sons. I'll bet THAT doesn't get me invited to Cornerstone. RichardRich 2010-02-11T05:30:48Z bbbbmer comment-22008 2010-02-11T04:46:44Z 2010-02-11T04:46:44Z It is not 'obstruction' or 'hate' for that matter to hold accountable those elected to office. There is NO pressing need for yet another SMI, and the court said that the SMI was far too great a change to be enabled by a simple initiative... I don't give a damn what party Sandy Sheedy belongs to -- she stood up for what is RIGHT at the council meeting, and I'm as staunch a Demcrat as they come! The only person who should be 'off the council' is KJ -- it's CLEAR that he is WAYYYY in over his head, and behaves like a little spoiled brat when confronted -- which is why he might have the clandestine core 'desires' he has.... and it seems his defenders are mainly old Republican men.... bbbbmer 2010-02-11T04:46:44Z William Burg comment-22006 2010-02-11T03:07:11Z 2010-02-11T03:07:11Z You got your centuries mixed up--the 19th century was the heyday of "boss" politics and cronyism in American cities. William Burg 2010-02-11T03:07:11Z Rhonda Erwin comment-22005 2010-02-11T02:50:27Z 2010-02-11T02:50:27Z I'd like to point out hearing the pastor speak in support of the SMP was disappointing to say the least. WHERE is the pastor each week when homeless individuals stand before the council? Where is the pastor when he is needed to stand for civil rights, injustice....??? Heck, the baptist church once stood up and fought against injustice but has lost touched with the reality -nightmare- many of us are facing. And it makes me ill, on issues of youth violence, when even some churches will come out when funding is available but are absent when funding is not available. Bush and his faith-based funding has separated--divided-- many churches from the community. It is sad and as far as I am concerned, the fact the man was/ is a pastor put absolutely no weight or value on his comment ...I'm sick of seeing people use churches to gain support and sick of seeing some churches allow themselves to be used................. Rhonda Erwin 2010-02-11T02:50:27Z Rhys02 comment-22003 2010-02-11T02:15:38Z 2010-02-11T02:15:38Z It is councilperson's like Sheady that just scream reform is needy. The court said there were two avenues and the second was to put a citizen's initiative. KJ, the business community and every concerned citizen needs to get on board and get this done now. It is funny Sheady uses the same tactics use by Senate Republican's (total obstruction). She is one indvidual the city desperately needs to get off the council. Rhys02 2010-02-11T02:15:38Z bbbbmer comment-22002 2010-02-11T01:22:23Z 2010-02-11T01:22:23Z ....quite literally ROFLMAO! bbbbmer 2010-02-11T01:22:23Z Susie Shields comment-22001 2010-02-11T01:18:46Z 2010-02-11T01:18:46Z Marion- haven't heard back from you regarding the breakfast. I hope you can come. I'd love to finally talk with you in person. Susie Shields 2010-02-11T01:18:46Z Susie Shields comment-22000 2010-02-11T01:16:44Z 2010-02-11T01:16:44Z Mr. Tuitt, I have appreciated your insight. It would be a pleasure to meet you. Susie Shields 2010-02-11T01:16:44Z Susie Shields comment-21999 2010-02-11T01:13:29Z 2010-02-11T01:13:29Z fifthgen- I'd love to meet you if I haven't already. Please come to the breakfast. Susie Shields 2010-02-11T01:13:29Z Susie Shields comment-21998 2010-02-11T01:12:27Z 2010-02-11T01:12:27Z Hi Stevie! Come hang out and have breakfast. It will be good to see you again. I only see you in the summertime. Susie Shields 2010-02-11T01:12:27Z Susie Shields comment-21997 2010-02-11T01:09:48Z 2010-02-11T01:09:48Z oh my... Susie Shields 2010-02-11T01:09:48Z Susie Shields comment-21996 2010-02-11T01:09:05Z 2010-02-11T01:09:05Z Rhonda, I hope you'll come. I'd love to meet you :) Susie@shieldscg.com Susie Shields 2010-02-11T01:09:05Z bbbbmer comment-21994 2010-02-11T00:54:25Z 2010-02-11T00:54:25Z Brooks, Susie Shields and I are kinda sorta organizing a reprise of last year's CORNERSTONE BREAKFAST group on some upcoming Saturday -- we're hoping to have it at the Cornerstone Restaurant in Midtown (24th and K or so), but the good ol Cornerstone may be closed by the time we can all get together.... It would be great if you could join us... I don't have a day and time yet, but please let either Susie or myself know if you're interested -- either by our contact info and we'll get you in the loop once a day/time are set... Take care... bbbbmer bbbbmer 2010-02-11T00:54:25Z bbbbmer comment-21993 2010-02-11T00:53:35Z 2010-02-11T00:53:35Z steviegee, Susie Shields and I are kinda sorta organizing a reprise of last year's CORNERSTONE BREAKFAST group on some upcoming Saturday -- we're hoping to have it at the Cornerstone Restaurant in Midtown (24th and K or so), but the good ol Cornerstone may be closed by the time we can all get together.... It would be great if you could join us... I don't have a day and time yet, but please let either Susie or myself know if you're interested -- either by our contact info and we'll get you in the loop once a day/time are set... Take care... bbbbmer bbbbmer 2010-02-11T00:53:35Z bbbbmer comment-21992 2010-02-11T00:52:53Z 2010-02-11T00:52:53Z fifthgensac, Susie Shields and I are kinda sorta organizing a reprise of last year's CORNERSTONE BREAKFAST group on some upcoming Saturday -- we're hoping to have it at the Cornerstone Restaurant in Midtown (24th and K or so), but the good ol Cornerstone may be closed by the time we can all get together.... It would be great if you could join us... I don't have a day and time yet, but please let either Susie or myself know if you're interested -- either by our contact info and we'll get you in the loop once a day/time are set... Take care... bbbbmer bbbbmer 2010-02-11T00:52:53Z bbbbmer comment-21991 2010-02-11T00:50:32Z 2010-02-11T00:50:32Z Rhonda, Susie Shields and I are kinda sorta organizing a reprise of last year's CORNERSTONE BREAKFAST group on some upcoming Saturday -- we're hoping to have it at the Cornerstone Restaurant in Midtown (24th and K or so), but the good ol Cornerstone may be closed by the time we can all get together.... It would be great if you could join us... I don't have a day and time yet, but please let either Susie or myself know if you're interested -- either by our contact info and we'll get you in the loop once a day/time are set... Take care... bbbbmer bbbbmer 2010-02-11T00:50:32Z Rhonda Erwin comment-21988 2010-02-10T23:59:13Z 2010-02-10T23:59:13Z I truly appreciate your post and for goodness sake you said it best when you wrote, "he has never learned what it is or how to follow it.'- thank you!!! Rhonda Erwin 2010-02-10T23:59:13Z Rhonda Erwin comment-21987 2010-02-10T23:56:35Z 2010-02-10T23:56:35Z bbbmer: Sandy Sheedy was AMAZING in fact I could not have spoken with such passion either Rhonda Erwin 2010-02-10T23:56:35Z Rhonda Erwin comment-21986 2010-02-10T23:53:26Z 2010-02-10T23:53:26Z oh sister... Rhonda Erwin 2010-02-10T23:53:26Z fifthgensacramentan comment-21985 2010-02-10T23:14:52Z 2010-02-10T23:14:52Z nicrbocr- Since your new to this blog, It looks like this is your first post, I''ll accept your statement as an honest mistake. While you are correct that if you look at the Agenda right now, you will see item listed. 72HRs prior or 24Hrs prior to last night's meeting...it wasn't there. Why do you think KJ said it's not on tonight's agenda, and raised no objections ? If you have any doubt-contact the city clerk's office. As the saying goes appearances can be deceiving. Especially around the BOSS MAYOR Initiative I & now II. fifthgensacramentan 2010-02-10T23:14:52Z bbbbmer comment-21984 2010-02-10T23:33:35Z 2010-02-10T23:33:35Z The SAG group might have a very good case of errors and omissions against Tom Hiltchakak based on his profoundly poor drafting of the original SMI... ...But given that the SAG group IS Tom Hiltchakk, essentially, I doubt any action is in the foreseeable future... bbbbmer 2010-02-10T23:33:35Z bbbbmer comment-21983 2010-02-10T22:49:56Z 2010-02-10T22:49:56Z No, it was NOT on the agenda, as late as 5pm yesterday... I review council agendas RELIGIOUSLY when I'm in Sac, and it wasn't on the original... It was no doubt added at the very last minute, just as people were being seated... bbbbmer 2010-02-10T22:49:56Z bbbbmer comment-21982 2010-02-10T22:48:37Z 2010-02-10T22:48:37Z It wasn't on the agenda, but then KJ placed called it up as if it was, allowed public comment, which apparently were all invitees of his in support of the new 'kinder gentler but still as crooked' SMI, followed by the PERFECTLY WRITTEN COMMENT by Sandy Sheedy, to which KJ admonished her because the issue had not been agendized.... KJ sounds like one of the Republicans in the Senate now..... What a goldarn hypocrite! And small wonder, since Frank Luntz (the current Dr. Doom of the GOP) has apparently been in consultation with Hiltchakak all along... bbbbmer 2010-02-10T22:48:37Z bbbbmer comment-21981 2010-02-10T22:05:24Z 2010-02-10T22:05:24Z oh brother... bbbbmer 2010-02-10T22:05:24Z bbbbmer comment-21980 2010-02-11T00:13:42Z 2010-02-11T00:13:42Z I saw that -- i'm HEARTBROKEN!!!!! i called them and volunteered to find them alternative space if necessary... ***UPDATE*** The restaurant is HOPING that people will call and express their support for its continued operation at 24th and J... The restaurant's number is 441-0948... ***UPDATE*** WHAT ABOUT A PLAN B GET-TOGETHER AT TRES HERMANAS ??? They open at 7am on Saturdays, and they can accommodate large groups of 12 - 20 people, and it could potentially be a little later in the morning if *some* like... (lol)....(though, *I* will be there *early*).... bbbbmer 2010-02-11T00:13:42Z bbbbmer comment-21979 2010-02-10T22:03:37Z 2010-02-10T22:03:37Z I think the idea is that it wasn't a prominent feature of his campaign, nor did he mention that the SMI was drafted privately in the interests of private backers, and had no sanction by the community either directly OR through the council... bbbbmer 2010-02-10T22:03:37Z Marion Millin comment-21978 2010-02-10T21:51:35Z 2010-02-10T21:51:35Z He displayed this "petulance" on TV during two debates with Mayor Fargo. And still got elected. It was clear then that he "he needs to take a time out and get his head together." Marion Millin 2010-02-10T21:51:35Z Marion Millin comment-21977 2010-02-10T21:49:19Z 2010-02-10T21:49:19Z Did it meet the 72 hour requirement? Marion Millin 2010-02-10T21:49:19Z BrooksTruitt comment-21976 2010-02-10T21:32:10Z 2010-02-10T21:32:10Z Councilmember Sheedy is right about city suffering "strong mayor" fatigue. So is Mayor Johnson as his petulant performance at last night's council meeting showed. Before he's able to take a "collaborative" approach to his colleagues, re charter change or other issues, he needs to take a time out and get his head together. Replacing some of his lawyers might also help. If last night were a hockey game, he'd be in the penalty box. BrooksTruitt 2010-02-10T21:32:10Z StevieGee comment-21975 2010-02-10T21:10:24Z 2010-02-10T21:10:24Z So... The Mayor wants to put a new smi on the ballot now and write it later? Don't worry it'll be good for everybody except the few unfortunate citizens who aren't the Mayor. I don't think so. I have to agree with Marion. I don't have any problem with holding the Mayor accountable under our current system. StevieGee 2010-02-10T21:10:24Z Susie Shields comment-21974 2010-02-10T21:04:58Z 2010-02-10T21:04:58Z Bbbbmer- I just read in the Bee that the Cornerstone will possibly close as early as this month because the building owner isn't renewing their lease! Uh oh, we need to meet fast. I've put the word out. We just need to get a Sat. that everyone can make it. Here's the article: http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/dining/archives/2010/02/midtown-eatery.html Susie Shields 2010-02-10T21:04:58Z Zen comment-21973 2010-02-10T20:55:21Z 2010-02-10T20:55:21Z Not a fan of the SMI that was shot down by the courts but he did mention it as an objective during his campaign. Page 8 of his mailing. Zen 2010-02-10T20:55:21Z nicrbocr comment-21972 2010-02-10T20:42:13Z 2010-02-10T20:42:13Z The strong mayor issue WAS on Tuesdays agenda...it was posted as a supplemental agenda and could be found at the top of the original agenda. nicrbocr 2010-02-10T20:42:13Z Marion Millin comment-21969 2010-02-10T19:22:00Z 2010-02-10T19:22:00Z "Mayor Kevin Johnson’s latest strong mayor proposal drew strong reactions from a councilwoman and members of the public even though it was not officially on the City Council agenda." One of the reasons the public objected to Johnson's introduction of this matter, announced at the last minute by Kevin Johnson on his blog and to the press, is that this was NOT on the City Council agenda, in violation of the law. This article's first paragraph says it wasn't on the agenda, then makes it sound like it was on the agenda and was removed. It was not on the agenda on the City website on Tuesday. When was it ever on the agenda? Did it meet the legal deadline of at least 72 hours notice? As pointed out on SacPress by FifthGenerationSacramentan: At the top of every City Council Agenda it clearly states: Government Code 54950 (The Brown Act) requires that a brief description of each item to be transacted or discussed be posted at least 72 hours prior to a regular meeting. The City posts Agendas at City Hall as well as offsite meeting locations. Would it be reasonable for SacPress readers to expect SacPress staff writers to address such things more clearly? Esp. after the matter has been raised by readers the day before and it IS one of the objections; could the writer address the fact, rather than help the City and KJ fudge the abuse of the legal Agenda process? It's relevant to the complete disregard Johnson displays for the legal process as it exists now. He is so bent on changing Sacramento's current structure of government, he has never learned what it is or how to follow it. Earth to Kevin: THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS WE WON'T GIVE YOU MORE POWER. YOU DID NOT RUN AND WERE NOT ELECTED TO BE KING. Johnson has never explained why he is unable to serve in the position he was elected to, effectively and accountably, with the level of power he holds now. Marion Millin 2010-02-10T19:22:00Z Priscilla Barnes comment-21968 2010-02-10T18:20:57Z 2010-02-10T18:20:57Z Thank you, KJ for not being beaten down from your spirited goal to lead our lovely little city from the 19th to the 21st century Priscilla Barnes 2010-02-10T18:20:57Z bbbbmer comment-21966 2010-02-10T16:15:27Z 2010-02-10T16:15:27Z Sandy Sheedy was AMAZING last night!!!! Even *I* could not have expressed such sentiments at this last ditch effort by KJ and his nepharious backers to thwart the Constitution and the will of the REAL people -- and not those bizarros who signed the SMI petition thinking they were signing off on some other issue -- by touting this 'my dog ate my homework' 'kinder gentler' SMI proposal.... Of course, Johnson, in all his sarcastic petulant glory, arrogantly chastised anyone who questioned him on this matter, and later on the Arena update. And, apparently there's more to this Arena thing than originally put forward by KJ, through his attempt to once again circumvent process to 'change the discussion' and self-appoint the 'Sacramento First' committee to consider alternatives for an arena buildout.... I am not a supporter of ANY arena proposal at this time of economic hardship, especially in light of the unprecedented poverty issues at hand -- this is an unnecessary expense at this time, especially considering the precariousness of those involved in the financial house of cards that seems to keep the 'land swap' three-card monty Cal Expo deal alive.... But, civil process is why we have government, and KJ just seems to flaunt and thwart at will, regardless of the sanction of his peers, who are far closer to those they represent than is he.... Just when is this guy going to be recalled??? I don't think we can sustain a full term with his near pathological will for greater and greater authority in light of the absolute MESSES he makes that we will have to clean up once he's gone.... Perhaps some 'new light' will be shed at the next Cornerstone Breakfast???? bbbbmer 2010-02-10T16:15:27Z William Burg comment-21963 2010-02-10T08:25:53Z 2010-02-10T08:25:53Z It wasn't discussed while he was campaigning--the first appearance of the SMI was shortly after his election. He may have discussed it with a few folks while campaigning, but it certainly wasn't a plan he shared with the people who elected him. "Johnson noted that he wants to add language specifying that the mayor’s hiring powers would not extend to all city employees who are not represented by unions." So, this means that his hiring/firing powers would extend to all city employees who are represented by unions? He wrote it over the weekend just before the deadline? Sounds like the way I used to write term papers in school...hopefully this got a more careful review than my term papers! William Burg 2010-02-10T08:25:53Z Susie Shields comment-21960 2010-02-10T07:28:51Z 2010-02-10T07:28:51Z Johnson's desperation is palpable. Susie Shields 2010-02-10T07:28:51Z