I'm watching the episode of "Oprah" that describes the explosion in Sacramento's homeless population right now. But you just voted to close the Berry Hotel, 108 units of extremely low income housing, the housing most desperately needed by those closest to the streets. The Berry needs some work, it's true, but most of the preparatory work has already been done by the developer who recently attempted to sell low-income tax credits to renovate the Berry. Spend some of that stimulus money (or some of that redevelopment money, which is separate from the general fund) to renovate the Berry. It will provide housing for 108 of those who need it most for less than a new building, it will put Sacramentans to work (building renovation is more labor-intensive than new construction, which means more money goes into the pockets of city residents working on the project) and prevent a shuttered, vacant building in the heart of downtown.

I'm up for the challenge. I do believe that each and everyone of us has to make it happen and put some effort into our community. Times are tough here in our area but were we are going to find the answers in the relationships that we create. Now collaboration, barter, and many other forms of tangible and intangible transactions will become more valuable in our businesses.

Kevin, While I appreciate communication, and I think it is nice that you take the time to write, frankly I think this is complete fluff, says absolutely nothing - wondering why it is there. Come on now, anyone can give a pep talk.... We are not quitters, we need to pull together, lets win one for the Gipper...I'm counting on you... Come on Kevin, please give us a little more respect than that. We need to hear you talk substance, not ideals & fluff. This is not Jr. High Basketball, a movie or otherwise. Taxes in this state are going up, layoffs continue to rise, does Sacramento realize there is virtually no Adult Probation Department, I guarantee those getting out of jail do! San Juan School district will be handing out numerous pink slips, businesses are closing weekly, housing values are continuing to drop. Many people are extremely worried about what the President is doing, I am not sure building on that is what all want. Why I am happy you are having fun on Larry King, just as many were missing your show watching the Fox network, and like in one of you recent posts are hob nobbing around with celebrities, I think most would be more impressed if you spoke of meetings with local bankers, developers & businessmen. While a little stimulous money may be nice, we do have local congressmen and others working on that angle. I recommend staying in town for a while, stop the theatrics and become a true leader & consensus builder, bringing folks that can really help the local economy together, basically less fluff - more stuff. I want to hear: we have been working with big corporation x, negotiating a deal to relocate their whatever facility to the region, thus creating x number of jobs... there's my beef for the day, as always...Keep Smilin'

Kevin,
I just listened to your speech, the 1st part focused on what others before you have done for a few projects, that will create some positive projects / growth for the City. The majority of the speech was spent on how we need to get money from the Fed's to fix our problems, how you got special information that will soon come to light as to how Sacramento will get to the front of the line for the handouts, the American Tax payers will be supporting. Personally I feel the selected mayors sent to Washington were there more for spin purposes, as all who were there certainly would return to their homes and praise the stimulous package and how great it will be. Moving along, you then move onto the strong mayor push, (I would drop this for a couple years for now) than on to your lazer focus portion (I do like the Lazer Focus line!) But no specifics, you mention that Goverment should supplement private business, saying "we could talk about cutting fees, we could talk about.....", again mention of more summits and round tables....We need to be the leader of Clean & Green, we need safe streets, increase police presence, we need to imorove education.... Kevin people have been listening to talk for over a year now, on all levels of government. We keep hearing about furloughs, Federal Stimulous and other hopeful fixes. Time is now for substance. Propose immediate cuts or implementation to fees and taxes to small business, HOW is Sac going to be the leader of Clean and Green?? How are you going to increase police presence?? And again do not forget Probation, Probation is critical, they are the ones that monitor offenders after release, they are the ones that visit schools, work with parents, kids, schools for a wholistic approach. I applaud the President, for at least in his first several days of getting planned programs into place and off the ground. Again I hear very little more than talk Kevin, the cap to cap is not the pot at the end of the Rainbow. I feel you have too much focus on the State and Feds coming to Sacramento's rescue. That is not a cure, and will only lead to long term indebtedness. Don't focus on power, you have a very capabile City Manager and staff, they and the Counsel need to get the courage to make the tough cuts, and do all you can to keep businesses open and employing. I want to see you introduce policies that will allow for cutting during real tough times, and saving during flush times. Again in you reply you advise how your relationships have opened doors, well tell us what doors have been opened, and what they will do for us, give examples! Thank you for referring and acknowledging concensus, but tell us specifically what you have done, how did you prevent the "brown out", and what have you & those you built consensus with done to prevent future risks? Kevin you are a great speaker, you can motivate a crowd & you do have a celebrity status that most Cities do not have, but I am not seeing your ability implement policies and programs. I would really suggest you take a little lower profile approach, and when you surface advise us of what you have actually accomplished. I really feel actions speek louder than words. As mentioned before, I am an small time elected official up in Auburn, I have made numerous mistakes, and stumbles but have always tried not to blow smoke, stand firm, and be able to bring forth policies and programs that I can defend and garner support for. If it honestly makes sense, and looks like it will work, others will support you. I have also found too many meetings become counter productive, and wind up costing more in staff time and energy, there is a place for this, but know that educated professionals should have a pretty good idea of what to do, isn't that their job? Trust them and start promoting & implementing policies! Good luck, thanks for the reply, as with the President I want you to succeed, we will all be better off for it. As always Keep Smilin'

Check this out: http://www.thewrap.com/article/1602