No Fond Farewell From the Mayor as the Council Sends the Boss Mayor Initiative on Vacation

Mayor Kevin Johnson’s aggressive eighteen month push for more power ended late Tuesday night when even his most ardent backers on the council admitted the public was not clamoring for a strong mayor proposal.

Johnson – who had earlier in the day predicted an easy win – found it hard to accept the council’s will. Said Johnson:“I’m really shocked the way this turned out. That would be putting it mildly.”

Johnson then proceeded to go round the dais in a shocking display of petulance, calling out council member for their opposition. To Councilwoman Lauren Hammond, one of his strongest allies, he said her opposition didn’t end up surprising him because he knew her well. “You can’t change your stripes,” he sniped.

To Councilman Steve Cohn, another faithful follower, Johnson said he went to bat for Cohn and was disappointed by his action. “It makes me question the backbone, the ethos you represent.”

In all the venting, Johnson never got around to addressing the crucial question that had stopped so many people from supporting his proposal: Why was major charter change necessary?

The motion to ask the City Attorney’s office to draft a strong mayor ballot proposal for November was defeated 7-2. Only City Councilman Robbie Waters voted with Johnson.

We at Boss Mayor hope that the Mayor has a restful vacation. Perhaps spend some time with his fiancée ... come back with a smile on his face and a renewed commitment to leading Sacramento forward with the powers that he has.