Heather Fargo
BY HEATHER FARGO
For THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
Measure A would fundamentally change our city government to give the Mayor more power, which would weaken the council members and the voice of our neighborhoods. Citizens would have less involvement in decisions that directly affect their lives. “Strong mayor” has been rejected three times in the last decade by the courts, the Sacramento City Council, and the voters.
The mayor would control the city budget, be able to fire the city manager without cause, and have veto power over budget items and ordinances passed by the council. The mayor would no longer attend City Council meetings, nor be regularly accessible to the people. Although the title mentions accountability, it does the opposite — it will attract big money to mayoral races to buy influence and gain favor for special interests.
During this time of crisis, people in Sacramento are fighting for their lives, their homes, their jobs and businesses, and struggling to get education for their children.
This proposal has been placed on the ballot in haste and robbed our citizens of their right to participate in healthy debate and an equitable democratic process. It is a power grab, plain and simple.
This charter change will not help us through any crisis. It will not create or free up resources to advance city goals. Even worse, it would restrict the budget with a $40 million dollar earmark that would necessitate a reduction in core services like parks and public safety.
This is a deeply flawed proposal.
Heather Fargo is a longtime resident of South Natomas, who served as the mayor of Sacramento 2000-2008 and as a member of the Sacramento City Council from 1989-2000. Heather remains active in community projects and local politics.
