Bee Punts on Mayor Endorsement

Are the Bee’s editors being socially responsible or perhaps a wee bit sadistic?

In a surreal editorial on May 25, the Bee did not endorse either Kevin Johnson or Heather Fargo for the June 3 primary. (To see the editorial, click here.) Instead, they argued that the voters need more time to decide between the two, and recommended voting for one of the other 5 minor candidates–which would prevent either KJ or Heather from getting a majority of the votes and force a run-off in November.

The Bee’s editors note that a few more months will give Heather time to better articulate why she deserves a third term and KJ time to “learn how to conduct himself in the public arena.” They also acknowledge it’s an unconventional and unsatisfactory recommendation. I get that…I really do.

What this means, however, is that we’re going to have to listen to all the flying nonsense for another five months. I think we’ll also see a deepening of the rancor coming out of our City Council, which will do us no favors in the long run.

What it also means, though, is an unintended benefit for KJ because he’s got far more funding to tide his campaign over for the summer, whereas Heather is going to (likely) run short. On the other hand, as the Bee rightly points out, the ongoing federal investigation into St. Hope will be over by then, and we’ll know whether KJ is going to come out of it unscathed or completely discredited.

Last Thursday, the SNR released a rather lukewarm endorsement of Fargo. The editorial notes that “like others, we’ve often found Fargo lacking in the qualities that make for a strong leader.”

Bottom line, I think, is that Fargo cannot take credit for all the good that has happened during her two terms as mayor. Nor should she shoulder all the blame for things that have gone wrong. But she should heed the message that is being sent here: the voters of Sacramento would not be looking to KJ if they felt that Fargo was doing a great job. Does she deserve a third term? Clearly not. But does KJ deserve a first term? I don’t think so–at least not until he’s cleared up the questions about his character and put in at least one term as a councilmember.

I spent a little time yesterday looking around at some other local political blogs, the Harry Rotz vendetta-hit-piece ”NowayKJ” website, Muriel Strand’s campaign blog, and Shawn Eldredge’s website. And, you know, Eldredge’s web site was really interesting. Naive, yes…but engaged and dedicated. I came away with some respect for the guy. Take a look at his positions and ideas if you have a moment. (Heck, take a look at Muriel’s, too…if you can unravel the convoluted rhetoric…)

Whatever the voters decide, I hope that no one listens to the Bee’s recommendation. Pick one. Let’s end this awful election now.

And, Heather, just a thought for next week: Maybe it’s time to pick up the phone; call Matt Mahood, Waters, Cohn, and Sheedy; and and make nice over a few martinis.