The State of Downtown is … Denver?

The keynote speaker for this morning’s Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s “State of Downtown” breakfast was Denver mayor, John Hickenlooper.

His topic? Denver’s form of government.

Shocking to all, the mayor of Denver enjoys having more power than nearly any mayor in the country and he doesn't want to see his friend miss out on the fun. While that's sweet of him, we’re glad to see he’s not jealous of all of the extra power the Boss Mayor Initiative would give Sacramento's mayor.

Here are just a few examples:

1. Denver's Mayor can hire/fire 50 employees. The Boss Mayor Initiative would allow Sacramento's mayor to hire/fire 800.
2. Term limits, Denver's Mayor is limited to two terms. The Boss Mayor Initiative has no term limits. The fun never has to end!
3. Denver's charter provides for the election of an independent City Clerk and City Auditor. The Boss Mayor Initiative does not. None of those pesky checks and balances.
4. Denver's budget must be approved by the City Council. The Boss Mayor Initiative would allow the Mayor's budget to automatically become law after 30 days.

Imagine all of the fun future mayors of Sacramento could have with all of that extra power.

Does Sacramento really want our mayor to have more unchecked power than any mayor in the country?

Better question: Do we really want to find out what kind of mischief a future mayor might get into without checks and balances or accountability?