Two politicians who were once great allies of Mayor Kevin Johnson – and later became two of his biggest foes – are the same two now stepping aside after years of political discord and personal animus for KJ.

Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy announced Monday she is not running for re-election, and, with all due respect, her retirement is better for everyone because she is often a divisive force.

Councilman Rob Fong is leaving too, but his story is more complicated. It's a shame that such a smart guy got sideways with KJ and they couldn't build on their cooperation to support a new arena in Sacramento.

Once friends, I don't think KJ would have run for mayor if Fong had entered the race in 2008. But Fong didn't, KJ did, and a lot of bad blood followed.

On many issues, Sheedy and Fong were the biggest thorns in Johnson's side after being key cogs in his transition from retired NBA star to operator of controversial charter schools to Sacramento mayor.

Fong cast the deciding vote that transferred operational control of Sacramento High School to Johnson, a move that put KJ on the map politically.

When Johnson ran for mayor in 2008, Sheedy reversed her endorsement of former Mayor Heather Fargo and joined KJ's side.

With KJ's campaign beset by allegations of inappropriate relations between Johnson and underage girls, it was Sheedy who went on the attack against the accusers.

That made a big symbolic difference because Sheedy counteracted the efforts of female leaders and supporters of Fargo who tried to make hay of the allegations.

By then, Fong was in Fargo's camp, though I always believed Fong supported Fargo out of expediency and talk – never confirmed – that she would win and later clear a path for him to be her successor.

Almost the entire council had endorsed Fargo long before the 2008 election, an odious move that smacked of cronyism.

KJ blew it all up and ruined everyone's plans with his mayoral run. Fargo had been mayor for eight years and on the council for almost 20. People wanted a change and voters proved it by electing KJ in a landslide, despite all the allegations.

Some council members, labor groups and Democratic cliques couldn't get over it and have done little but snipe about it ever since.

A pro would have struggled with this bunch, but KJ – with his own ego-driven faults – has been battered by petty bickering.

Johnson lost Sheedy as an ally when he tried to enhance his powers without building council support. Three years later, the council is still fighting over the issue.

It's a running joke in a city known for creating a terrible business community while Roseville and West Sacramento flourish.

It's what happens when people can't get along.

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Call The Bee's Marcos Breton, (916) 321-1096.

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