"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