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Executive Mayor Reform Pop Quiz |
Test your knowledge of Sacramento's Weak Mayor system by answering
True or False:
1. The Mayor sets the city council agenda.
2. Only the Mayor can direct city staff to make reports.
3. The Mayor is the only council member who can speak without time limits.
4. All tie votes must be broken by the Mayor.
5. The Mayor controls city council budgets.
6. Council committee assignments are controlled by the Mayor.
7. The Mayor directs the City Manager in budget preparations.
8. The Police and Fire chiefs are hired by the Mayor.
9. Only the Mayor can introduce resolutions that impact the entire city.
10. The City of Sacramento has nine chief executives.
ANSWERS: 1. False (all nine council members have equal power to set
the agenda); 2. False (any council member can direct staff); 3. False
(there are no time limits for any council members); 4. False (the
Mayor's vote is the same as other council members); 5. False (the
Mayor has no control over the city budget other than one vote); 6.
False (committee assignments must be approved by council majority); 7.
False (the City Manager prepares the budget without mayoral consent);
8. False (the Police and Fire chiefs are hired by the City Manager); 9.
False (any council member can introduce resolutions); 10. True (the
Mayor is just one vote in nine).
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At a press conference this morning, Mayor Johnson announced that he is refocusing his energy on the November ballot to pass his government reform package (see details below). Based on input from the City Council and other Sacramento leaders, November is a more desirable and attainable timeline.
Another deciding factor, the city is facing some serious budget deficits and problems that it must address in the immediate future. These efforts are going to take the full concentration of city hall. These budget problems are unfortunate and only underscore the need for government reform.
Reduced tax dollars, a broken system, along with a lack of accountability has left Sacramento in a fiscal mess. We need the Independent Budget Analyst that is a part of the proposed government reforms more than ever.
Over the coming months, the Mayor and Sacramentans for Accountable Government will continue to move forward, going to all communities in Sacramento, and holding town halls. We will be listening to residents, answering questions, and collecting valuable input. Reform is too important for Sacramento and we need to make sure that we do this right.
FIVE PART REFORM PACKAGE
1. Modified Executive Mayor
- Mayor proposes annual city budget
- Mayor hires City Manager and his/her top 20-30 managers
- Mayor has veto power, and Council can override veto
- City Attorney and other charter officers remain independent
2. Independent Budget Analyst
- Analyst provides objective analysis of Mayor’s proposed budget before Council approves it
3. Ethics Committee
- Independent commission to provide oversight and training to city employees
4. Term Limits on Mayor and Council
5. Voter Re-authorization
Voters can “try it before they buy it” – ensures voters get future opportunity to revisit charter changes before they become final |
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Letters to the Editor: Put strong-mayor idea to a vote |
2.12.10
Sacramento Bee: Letters to the Editor
Put strong-mayor idea to a vote
Re "Strong-mayor plan revised" (Our Region, Feb.10): City Hall reform is still possible. So much has been made about Mayor Johnson being a "go-it-alone" type of leader and council relations being poor. It seems to me that the mayor has made a conscious effort in 2010 to improve his relationship with his peers. He's proposed a mayor-council retreat.
But what is the council's role in strengthening the dynamics between the mayor and council? At this juncture, they have a great opportunity to rally around something that can't be argued: the people's right to vote. The strong-mayor initiative has been highly politicized and, from some viewpoints, has polarized the mayor and council. Putting its fate in the hands of the voters will enable them to wipe their hands clean of the controversial initiative and promote the democratic system. Then we'll have to wait and see what happens on June 8 …
– Craig Berbower, Sacramento
Same officials, same problems
Re "Strong-mayor plan revised" (Our Region, Feb 10): When Johnson proposed what I'll characterize as a "power grab" after being elected mayor, I thought it was too soon, too much, and the process was too clandestine. Since then, the city has lost water meters and illegally issued permits in Natomas. And let's not forget that K Street is still desolate, Westfield is still depressing and the Kings are still without a new arena.
The water meter issue and "permit-gate" are relatively new, but the K Street and Westfield eyesores have been looming for years. What's the constant?
The same people who have the ability to address these problems have been in the same leadership positions the whole time. I'm not suggesting that the blame can be attributed to any one of those individuals or even the collective body, but clearly something needs to change. I don't have the answer, but I do know that Johnson has offered a solution. Sacramento's issues have persisted too long, our city officials have done too little, and the need for reform is too obvious to wait any longer. Let's give Johnson's strong-mayor idea a try.
– Mike Langford, Sacramento |
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Mayor Kevin Johnson on Charter Reforms |
Sacramento's city charter was established in 1849, revised in 1921 -- and hasn't been
modernized since. Despite the vast progress we are making as a community, our city
government still operates much like the Model T that was popular back in the '20's:
unresponsive, slow moving, and unable to navigate difficult challenges.
During my first months at City Hall, I am hearing residents that demand more action
from their government. In these tough times, you want less red tape. A greater vision.
More emphasis on public safety, economic development, and our schools. You rightly
deserve a Mayor and Council that reflects your views, and will make the decisions to
move Sacramento to the next level as the world-class city it deserves to be.
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Read more...
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Editorial: Find a sweet spot on strong mayor |
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2.11.10
Sacramento Bee Editorial: Mayor Kevin Johnson is getting closer to getting it right on his strong-mayor plan. In a welcome moment of humility and introspection, the mayor on Tuesday allowed that "in hindsight" he could have been more diplomatic in drawing the City Council behind him on a plan to vastly expand the mayor's power in Sacramento.
He assumed "full responsibility" for the issue becoming so divisive, and says he has listened to colleagues and critics to put together a collaborative proposal.
http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/2528440.html
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Johnson offers new strong-mayor measure for Sacramento |
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2.9.10
Sacramento Bee: Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson has moved away from his strong-mayor initiative and will ask the City Council tonight to place a different "charter reform initiative" on the June 8 ballot.
The council has until Feb. 23 to decide whether to place the measure on that ballot.
Details of Johnson's new measure were not available Monday, beyond that it will propose a strong-mayor form of government. The mayor is expected to provide more details at his weekly press briefing this morning before asking the council at the end of tonight's meeting to place the proposal on the ballot.
http://www.sacbee.com/734/story/2522970.html |
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Call to Action: We Need Your Support! |
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As you may know, Mayor Johnson announced an exciting new reform package this morning.
The new package combines key aspects of the strong mayor initiative (SMI) with the additional ideas proposed by Council Members, the Charter Review Commission, and the public. The goal is to create a collaborative reform package that incorporates input from all sides and has broad appeal among the council and public.
You can read more specifics about the package below.
Our next step is to discuss this proposal with Council. We’ll start at tonight’s meeting, and continue the discussion in the next two weeks.
However, we have to act quickly. Now is the best opportunity for real reform to get our city back on track. This modified proposal is the result of 13 months of listening to input from Council, the Charter Review Committee and the Sacramento community. The time to act is now; Sacramento cannot afford to wait. If we wait, true reform will be watered down by special interests and those mired in the “status quo” will stop at nothing to paralyze the process.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Attend tonight’s council meeting (Tuesday, February 9th). Bring along three friends and arrive at City Hall (915 I Street) at 6:00 PM.
2. Call and email the Council Members urging them to consider this new proposal.
In a short window of time, we can make history for our city. Let’s get started!
Read today’s Sacramento Bee article that details the new proposal.
FIVE PART REFORM PACKAGE
1. Modified Executive Mayor
- Mayor proposes annual city budget
- Mayor hires City Manager and his/her top 20-30 managers
- Mayor has veto power, and Council can override veto
- City Attorney and other charter officers remain independent
2. Independent Budget Analyst
- Analyst provides objective analysis of Mayor’s proposed budget before Council approves it
3. Ethics Committee
- Independent commission to provide oversight and training to city employees
4. Term Limits on Mayor and Council
5. Voter Re-authorization
- Voters can “try it before they buy it” – ensures voters get future opportunity to revisit charter changes before they become final
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"As the city’s top elected official, the mayor should be able to propose a budget. The mayor should be able to appoint department heads…"
– Sacramento Bee, 9.26.09
"Yet among the nation’s 50 largest cities (Sacramento is No. 38), only 18 have a city manager form of government. The mayor-council form of government deserves a closer look."
– Sacramento Bee, 9.26.09
"Kevin Johnson is not making the Strong Mayor initiative about him – he wants the Charter changed for the future of the City."
– Katy Grimes, The Sacramento Citizen, 8.05.09
"Kevin Johnson is the first Reform Mayor this city has seen in decades. His positions are steadfast and sound, but his efforts are thwarted every step of the way by a petty City Council."
– Katy Grimes, The Sacramento Citizen, 8.05.09
"The City of Sacramento is a regional center for commerce and culture and needs to take the steps today to ensure its leadership position in California and our nation. We believe that an executive mayor system can make that happen."
– Linda Cutler, Metro Chamber Board Chair
"Under their mayors or the mayor-council form of government, progress happens, problems are solved and businesses can flourish."
– Linda Cutler, Metro Chamber Board Chair
"In 2002, the Metro Chamber advocated for effective and accountable government by supporting the ballot measure that created a full-time mayor. Now with the creation of an executive mayor, the Metro Chamber supports holding the elected mayor accountable for the city’s progress."
– Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber President & CEO
"Eighty-eight years ago, the city commissioners were blocking development of infrastructure and schools, and the chamber felt that a city manager could be held accountable to get things done. But the needs of our community have changed. Once again, we have a city council structure that is failing to create a positive business climate, costing our community jobs and the competitive edge to become a national and global leader."
– Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber President & CEO
"From day one, and still today, we share Mayor Johnson’s vision for Sacramento – and that is a world-class city…We believe Executive Mayor Initiative is the next logical step toward getting to world-class."
– Brent Meyers, President, Sacramento Police Officers Association
"This initiative is the next obvious step to seeing Sacramento recognized as a world-class city. We believe that transitioning over to this structure of governance will hold all elected officials more accountable to their constituency."
– Brent Meyers, President, Sacramento Police Officers Association
"A mayor in Sacramento under this structure of government will have the authority to ensure appropriate levels of funding for public safety, which translates into safer streets for our police officers and citizens."
– Brent Meyers, President, Sacramento Police Officers Association
"You can’t get the level of collaboration we have had with a city manager kind of leadership. You need a stronger form of leadership."
– Mayor John Hickenlooper, Denver
"If you don’t have a strong mayor, it’s really hard to move quickly and really support the suburbs. You can attract greater talent."
– Mayor John Hickenlooper, Denver |
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