He won't be sworn in until Dec. 2, but Kevin Johnson is already showing signs he wants to be more than just Sacramento's mayor.Since his election on Nov. 4, Johnson and his aides have been reaching out to elected leaders outside of Sacramento. Two weeks ago, he attended a state-of-the-city address in Rancho Cordova, where Mayor Linda Budge presented him with the key to the city. Some in attendance remarked they had never before seen a Sacramento mayor attend such an event.
Today, Johnson announced he will meet Thursday with several of the region's mayors, including Budge, West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, Elk Grove Mayor Gary Davis, Roseville Mayor Gina Garbolino, Marysville Mayor Bill Harris, Live Oak Mayor Diane Hodges, Loomis Mayor Russ Kelley, Winters Mayor Michael Martin, Yuba City Mayor-Elect Leslie McBride, Citrus Heights Mayor Steve Miller, Auburn Mayor Keith Nesbitt, Lincoln Mayor-Elect Spencer Short and Rocklin Mayor Brett Storey.
To be sure, this regional love fest will not last beyond the point that Johnson is forced to spar with his counterparts for development projects, state grants and other funding. But for now, Sacramento's new mayor seems interested in developing some regional relationships. That could prove fruitful for the region.
