The decision by Sacramento City Councilman Rob Fong to not seek a third term has set off a frenzy.

Seven candidates are vying to represent one of the city's most high-profile districts. After redistricting, District 4 now covers downtown, midtown, Land Park and the River Oaks neighborhood of South Natomas.

We asked the candidates for their thoughts on the arena, traffic changes under consideration for Freeport Boulevard, where a Sacramento River bridge should be built and whether changes made to Second Saturday have been effective.

Neil Davidson, information technology analyst. Endorsements: No endorsements provided.

What are your thoughts on the city's plan to finance a new downtown sports arena?

Davidson says he was not in favor of the financing term sheet approved by the City Council, arguing "it was a poor deal for Sacramento because it locks away too much equity without a solid revenue guarantee." He also opposes building an arena without the Kings' involvement and would insist that the city contribute no more than one-third of the project cost.

What do you think of the traffic changes being considered for Freeport Boulevard?

He says he's in favor of adding bike lanes to Freeport, but "can't recommend a specific concept until after the environmental impact report clarifies the potential bleed-over to the surrounding area, including additional traffic due to the Curtis Village project."

Where would you like to see a Sacramento River crossing built?

Davidson is in favor of two bridges, one north of the I Street Bridge at the railyard and another at Broadway "so long as it doesn't destroy Miller Park." If Broadway doesn't work, he would prefer a bridge in the Little Pocket/Greenhaven area because Sutterville Road "is already impacted with little room to grow."

Have changes made to Second Saturday worked, and what changes would you suggest?

"The changes blunted some of the excesses of past Second Saturdays, returning the event to a generally positive experience," he says. He doesn't have additional changes in mind.

Steve Hansen, biotech senior manager and former vice chair of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. Endorsements include: Stonewall Democrats, Sacramento Police Officers Association, Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, United Public Employees.

On the arena:

Hansen says the plan "sparked our imagination about what a revitalized downtown might look like," but that the city "cannot enter into any arena deal that does not keep the general fund whole and does not provide direct benefits for our investment." With a deal collapsed, Hansen thinks "the efforts the city has taken to understand our ability to create economic activity should not be left behind" and that the city "should re-focus on ensuring the intermodal (transit) station is built and the railyard development is on track."

On Freeport Boulevard:

Hansen supports "complete streets where pedestrians and bicyclists all have a safe place to move." He says Freeport "is not wide enough to upgrade the currently unsafe narrow center lanes with modern 11-foot lanes." He says special attention should be paid to schools on the street.

On river crossings:

The first bridge should be built at Richards Boulevard north of downtown. He does not support a Sutterville bridge, but a Broadway bridge represents an opportunity "to create a neighborhood connection with West Sacramento, which could re-invigorate Broadway."

On Second Saturday:

The event has been "a boon to the restaurants and businesses in midtown, but it has also resulted in unfortunate impacts on the residents through litter, noise and some bad behavior." He'd like to "reinvigorate the arts focus" of the event.

Phyllis A. Newton, director of a disaster relief nonprofit and attorney. Endorsements include: Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Area Fire Fighters, Region Builders and the Sacramento Rental Housing Association.

On the arena:

Newton says she would only support a plan that protected the city's budget and reputation, but that it has "become clear in recent days that the (Kings) owners were not truly committed to any meaningful contribution to a new facility." Still, she says the city "cannot tax ourselves out of (persistent deficits), nor can we cut ourselves out of it. Rather, we must grow our way out by revitalizing our local economy."

On Freeport Boulevard:

She says she understands "the need for the city and its residents to become less auto-centric and for our streets to accommodate alternative means of transportation, especially bicycles." However, she says any changes to Freeport must consider how to protect surrounding neighborhoods from "cut-through traffic," the potential for increased congestion, the financial impact on merchants due to a loss in parking and the impact of traffic patterns on McClatchy High School and Sacramento City College.

On river crossings:

Newton says a Broadway bridge accommodating various modes of transportation "has the potential to stimulate new vitality in an important business corridor that has deteriorated in the last decade." She does not support a bridge at Sutterville Road.

On Second Saturday:

The event is "unquestionably one of the greatest, organically grown activities in Sacramento." Newton thinks that recent changes in hours of operation and vendor restrictions have helped ease tensions in midtown "by creating a distinction between Second Saturday and late-night activities."

Michael Daniel Rehm, attorney and business owner. Endorsements: No endorsements provided.

On the arena:

Rehm says he was frustrated at what he thought were vague details related to the city's plan to leverage downtown parking assets to help finance the arena. He adds "generating revenue and jobs for the city is the number one priority," but says a focus should be on health care.

On Freeport Boulevard:

He says he wants the street to remain two lanes on both sides, with added bicycle lanes. Plans to decrease the number of lanes "would certainly add more than a couple of minutes to a commute."

On river crossings:

He doesn't address this issue, but "would like to see the city focus more on building a River Walk."

On Second Saturday:

He thinks the city should provide more police protection and that the burden should not be placed on businesses. Rehm also does "not agree with all of the permits that are required now of business owners, or of individuals that want to play a little music during the festivities."

Terry Schanz, public policy director for Assemblyman Isadore Hall, D-Compton. Endorsements include: Sacramento County Young Democrats, Veterans Democratic Club of Sacramento County, Women Democrats of Sacramento County and Sacramento Central Labor Council.

On the arena:

Schanz did not support the proposed financing plan approved last month by the City Council, saying it "was simply a bad deal for city taxpayers." He says the terms "created too much risk for the city's general fund, with a relatively small potential return on our investment." Schanz argues that the "private sector should take a leadership role in financing" an arena.

On Freeport Boulevard:

As someone who rode his bike to and from McClatchy High School, he says he knows how dangerous Freeport can be. He wants more public input, but says "designated bike lanes will increase pedestrian safety and allow bicyclists to travel in and out of the downtown" and southern neighborhoods safely. Changes to Freeport "should be coordinated with the planned upgrade of our water infrastructure to save tax dollars and minimize disruptions."

On river crossings:

He didn't provide an opinion on his preferred location for bridges and says more public participation is needed. "Any new river crossing should prioritize the use of transit and pedestrian modes of transportation," he says.

On Second Saturday:

He says "it's too early to know if recent changes to Second Saturday have addressed concerns." Schanz says the event "is a celebration of our city's vibrant culture" and that he'd like midtown organizations "to remain active in working with the city to ensure that Second Saturday is a safe and enjoyable experience for residents and families throughout our region."

David A. Turturici, attorney. Endorsements: No endorsements provided.

On the arena:

He says "sports complexes are neither necessary, nor something the private sector can't handle."

On Freeport Boulevard:

He did not provide an answer.

On river crossings:

Turturici says crossings "are vital to reducing public transit delays," but that "at this time such a project is not feasible for Sacramento" due to cost. He also opposes a bridge to West Sacramento, where he says not enough development is planned to justify a crossing to that city.

On Second Saturday:

He did not provide an answer.

Joseph Yee, architect, business owner and former city planning commissioner. Endorsements include: Council members Darrell Fong, Kevin McCarty and Sandy Sheedy, former Mayors Heather Fargo and Anne Rudin, former Councilman Robbie Waters, Local 39 – City Hall's largest union – and many trade unions.

On the arena:

Yee says the financing plan approved by the council "gave me pause." He says an arena could "be a significant cultural and entertainment amenity" and "could help accelerate the redevelopment" of downtown. If a plan moves forward in the future, he wants a deal that "creates jobs without putting the general fund at risk."

On Freeport Boulevard:

The safety of bicyclists is his "primary concern." He also says design challenges at the intersection of Freeport, Fourth Avenue and 21st Street should be addressed; a proposal to eliminate parking on Freeport could have negative impacts on businesses and bordering side streets; and reducing traffic lanes on Freeport could force traffic onto Vallejo Way and other side streets during peak travel times.

On river crossings:

A bridge at the railyard may not be West Sacramento's preferred site, and a bridge at Broadway could cause congestion between Broadway and downtown (he adds a Broadway bridge "may benefit Broadway businesses"). Any crossings that are built should be "neighborhood friendly," allowing traffic, bikes, pedestrians and public transit. And the bridge "must be designed as a landmark."

On Second Saturday:

Changes have "refocused some of the attention onto the arts and art galleries." Yee says parking concerns still remain. He says the availability of a state lot at 17th and K and a Sutter lot at 28th and Capitol should be publicized.

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