Kevin Johnson annouces he is running for mayor

By Terri Hardy and Marcos Bretón

sacbee.com

It’s official — former NBA star Kevin Johnson is running for mayor.

Before more than 200 people in Oak Park’s Guild Theatre, Johnson said he had decided to enter the race after much soul searching.

“I came to the unequivocal conclusion that we need a change in this city, and we need a change now,” Johnson said.

Sacramento, Johnson said, could be one of the most vibrant cities in the country with the proper leadership. In the past month, Johnson said he’s spoken with many people about what they want for their city.

“Right now, people see our city government as nonresponsive, tired, uninspired and bureaucratic,” Johnson said.

He will be challenging current mayor, Heather Fargo, who is seeking her third term as mayor in the June 3 election. (more…)

Although I was unable to find a website for his campaign, I did manage to find this article which discusses some of the hurdles he may have to deal with come debate time.

“Up for scrutiny, Ross said, will be Johnson’s record as a property owner and landlord, and the way in which his nonprofit St. HOPE Corp. took over Sacramento High School and turned it into a charter school.

“Kevin is in for the rudest awakening of his life,” Ross said.

In October, The Bee reported that half of Johnson’s properties in Oak Park had been cited for code violations in the past decade. Vacant lots were left fallow, with no firm plans for redevelopment, prompting some residents to demand he sell or move forward.” (more…)