Tag Cloud
Friday, February 10, 2012
What is the Mayors Message?
by Scott Holbrook, published on March 4, 2009 at 9:59 AM
Storyline: Politics and Opinions
I am not sure what the Mayor of Sacramento is doing on the legislative side of things. Nor am I sure what concrete plans he has to help the struggling business climate in "his" city and the surrounding region. What I do know, is that for the first 100 days or so the Mayor has spent the majority of his time in very media freindly meetings, round tables, summits and otherwise talking. He has also taken a couple trips back to Washington DC, with another soon on the horizon. His short tenure in office, has sure been interesting to watch, but at the same time a little worrisome to this observer.
In a recent article, the Mayor commented on his celebrity relationships and the doors that have already been open. He did not expand on this by expaining what doors have been open, but I think we are begining to get the picture. Unfortunately, I think recent and upcoming choices of who the Mayor is bringing to the City to support his causes, may be starting to close many of these doors.
The other day, the Mayor brought Jesse Jackson into town to help promote the Mayors call to volunteer. Today I read in Sacramento's local rag that next Monday the Rev. Al Sharpton will be coming to support the Mayors next "summit", which apparently is on education. While I do not know many who would challenge the concept of volunteerism, or excellence in education, I am aware of many who are not "comfortable" with those the Mayor has chosen to bring into town to support his cause.
While both the Rev.'s Jackson and Sharpton are well known, and will bring media attention, I also feel the controversy they bring will quite possibly do as much harm as good. What would people think if one brought Ann Coulter or Sean Hannity into town to support their efforts? By nature, individuals such as those mentioned bring division & tension. Mention any of these names in conversation and instantly emotions are envoked, and judgements made. This is not the way to develop universal support for a cause. Before the Mayor brings Sean Penn to town to promote "Clean and Green", I hope Mayor Johnson will consider some of the following:
While leaning to the left, Sacramento is far from a bastion of Liberalism. Rather Sacramento is a Religous, Ethnic, Political and otherwise diverse community.
Sacramento is not an island unto itself. Quite the contrary, Sacramento is a key piece in the Sacramento Regional puzzle, surrounding the City, are much more conservative areas. The region needs to work together to generate an economic climate that will help us all. Bringing political activists to town, does not necessarily instill confidence and comfort in many of your neighbors.
On the same token, CEO's and other business leaders vary in their political and other values, and need to feel comfortable about the envioronment that they choose to operate in.
While meetings, summits, symposiums, round tables, surveys have their place in "the process", there reaches a point of overkill, and after a while the old saying "talk is cheap" comes into play. Proposals, agenda items, legislation and action need to rise to the forefront, personally I feel that time is now.
Mr. Mayor I hope you slow down a little on the spotlight methodology. Start showing that you are a true leader, attempting to build honest consensus. This can only be done by action, not words. And if you would, for the next "celebrity" that you bring to town to "open doors", can it please be someone who is not a political hot button. Recently many doors have been opened, I only hope the winds of change do not get so strong some don't get blown shut.
As always just opinions, as a small businessman & part time politician, I am sure I join with all in the area in hoping for success, and that soon the tide will turn & we can all Keep Smilin'
Conversation Express your views,
debate, and be heard with those in your area closest
to the issue.
Leave a Comment
Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton are national leaders, and I am honored that they are coming to Sacramento. Rev. Jackson has a 40 year history of community organizing with PUSH/Rainbow coalition, and I was pleased to have Congresswoman Doris Matsui and Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg join with us to launch Volunteer Sacramento (http://www.handsonsacto.org/AboutUs/index.php/VolunteerSacramento.htm).
Rev. Al Sharpton is a leader in education reform, part of the same coalition as NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Jeb Bush, John McCain, as well as progressives (http://www.educationequalityproject.org/). As for your comments about his activism, I think he says it best himself: "An activist’s job is to make public civil rights issues until there can be a climate for change. So when people get angry at me for raising these issues and making them public, well, that’s my job! That’s what I’m supposed to do. If I could not get the public’s attention on an issue, then I’m not a good activist."
As for my first months in office, yes, I have convened Summits on education, crime, volunteerism, and gang violence because I believe it's critical to hear what the community is saying beyond the confines of City Hall. That's the other reason I've held Town Halls and community office hours, and why I'm online every week at News10 taking community comments, and calls on KFBK every week (not to mention reading the comments to my posts on sacramentopress.com). I find it extremely productive to listen to what the community is saying.
I am proud of my work to building consensus on the City Council to protect public safety, including the unanimous vote to reject additional fire station brownouts and keep police on the beat. I have kept my promise to focus on the core issues of public safety, economic development, and education and am confident we will have significant changes in policy (remember, I've been in office only about 90 days!).
Again, appreciate the feedback. Come down to my Town Hall meeting coming up -- I'd be glad to talk to you in person. A full schedule is on the city website, http://www.cityofsacramento.org/mayor/index.html.