Fierce faceoff likely as Johnson, Fargo vie for Sacramento mayor

Sacramento, get ready for an epic fight.

Former NBA star Kevin Johnson announced Wednesday he'll challenge two-term incumbent Heather Fargo, setting up a campaign that political observers said will be tough, dirty and expensive.

"It will end up being a knock-down, drag-out fight that will focus on the negatives of both candidates," said local political consultant Doug Elmets, who is not representing either candidate. "Both campaigns' teams are well known for focusing on the dark side."

Robert Waste, a California State University, Sacramento, public policy professor and consultant, agreed. "We're going to need seat belts for this one," he said.

With the city in the midst of a financial crisis, problems with high-profile development projects, criticism of her frequent travels and a perceived lack of leadership, Fargo is vulnerable, observers said. Underscoring the mayor's political problems is an independent survey conducted by Sacramento State, released Wednesday.

The survey found Fargo had an approval rating of 36 percent. Of the residents who answered the poll, 28 percent said they would vote to re-elect Fargo, while 29 percent said they would choose Johnson – leaving 41 percent undecided.

"It's a wide open race," said Amy Liu, the sociology professor who oversaw the poll. "Whoever can grab the undecideds has the best shot."

The mayoral race questions were part of "The 2008 Sacramento State Annual Survey" of 380 residents called at random. Conducted between Feb. 16 and March 2 by the Institute for Social Research, it has a margin of error of plus or minus five percentage points.

The mayoral primary is June 3.

Before a crowd of more than 200 people in Oak Park's Guild Theatre, Johnson said he decided to run after much soul searching.

"I came to the unequivocal conclusion we need change in this city and we need a change now," he said. "Right now, people see our city as nonresponsive, tired, uninspired and bureaucratic."

Johnson's said his St. HOPE Corp. has managed to turn around the Oak Park neighborhood, including providing quality education to children. He said his organizations have started or planned to bring in 20 businesses, including a Fresh & Easy grocery store, and brought or participated in bringing 300 jobs to the area.

Johnson's rally was slickly produced, with signs, T-shirts, a Web site and a Kevin Johnson for mayor baseball card that included biographical information. Johnson's vision, the card states, is "A city that works for everyone."

Johnson said he will push for good schools, a climate that attracts business and jobs, and a transparent, accountable government. He said he would commit to decreasing crime in the city and would put more sworn police officers on the street.

Both campaigns are being managed by experienced political operatives. Johnson's political team is run by consultants David Townsend and Kris Deutschman. Fargo's consultant is Richie Ross.

Fargo fired the first shot Wednesday. "I know that there's going to be a lot of discussion about my record," she said. "So it's only fair that there will be a discussion of his record as well, and what's he's been able to accomplish and what he has not."

Fargo charged that Johnson owes $45,000 in back taxes and has liens against his properties.

Townsend took issue with the allegation.

"I'm perplexed. We're not aware of anything like that," he said.

Townsend complained that Fargo didn't provide any documentation backing up the charge.

"If she's got something, have her offer it up. Kevin's about being accountable," he said.

Fargo also said there should be scrutiny of Johnson's record as a property owner and landlord and his code violations. In October, The Bee reported that half of Johnson's properties in Oak Park had been cited for code violations in the past decade. Johnson has since apologized and is bringing some properties into compliance.

Fargo said she is in the best position to lead the city the next four years. She cited progress in getting approval for development in the downtown railyard and the waterfront. She said she's proud of the consensus she's forged on the City Council – and she noted she's endorsed by all eight members.

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