Hiltachk's Argument Called "Hogwash" by Judge

Sacramentans will likely have to wait until next week to learn whether a judge will make final his tentative ruling that the strong mayor initiative should be banned from the June ballot. Superior Court Judge Loren McMaster heard arguments from both sides Friday afternoon.

During the hearing, the attorney representing the Tom Hiltachk – the right-wing author of the Boss Mayor measure – made some perplexing statements and seemed hazy about the workings of Sacramento government. The weirdest contention: the Sacramento City Council has no executive power. Luckily, an attorney for the city was able to enumerate several executive duties of the council, including awarding large contracts, appointing charter officers and granting licenses and permits.

McMaster, a no-nonsense kind of guy, made it clear a few times that Hiltachk’s attorney had broached credulity. When the lawyer griped that voters were being kept from their democratic right to decide on the issue (even though it’s likely the plan is unconstitutional), McMaster snapped. “The argument that I’m depriving people from a vote is hogwash.” Well said.

Other interesting tidbits: the City Attorney’s office is tellingly not bolstering the strong-mayor initiative, saying it will take no stand on the legality of the measure. Also, the public learned just how much Mayor Kevin Johnson’s power grab will cost taxpayers -- $104,000 for the election.