Historic Public Safety-Labor Coalition Propels Kevin Johnson to Victory

This week, Kevin Johnson officially takes the helm as Sacramento’s Mayor at one of the most challenging times in the city’s history. Before looking forward, let’s take look at the election, how Kevin won, and our role in his victory.

Most observers agree that Heather Fargo was a weak leader, who was out of touch with the issues that matter to voters most - and first among those was public safety.

But elections are about choices, and for Kevin Johnson to win, he needed to convince people that he was the better choice. Unfortunately, the vicious smear campaign launched against him in the June primary left Johnson in a weakened condition. While he finished ahead of Fargo, the damage to his reputation was serious and kept him from winning the June election outright. A rescue operation was needed if he was going to restore his credibility. To help mend those wounds, a first-ever public safety coalition was launched.

Police, Deputy Sheriffs, Firefighters, Healthcare Workers, and Food and Commercial Workers formed Sacramentans for Responsible Government

An unprecedented public safety coalition came together… with additional backing by two of the area’s largest and most politically sophisticated unions, and with a significant financial contribution by the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.

The goal of the coalition was to document Fargo’s failed public safety polices and highlight some of the bad decisions she had made. Once that mission had been accomplished, we delivered strong, consistent messages - in highly targeted direct mail and on the radio – that made it clear to voters that Kevin Johnson was public safety’s choice for Mayor.

Uniting police officers, deputy sheriffs, firefighters and paramedics created a powerful, well-respected voice that helped allay some of the voters’ fears from the Primary and lifted Kevin Johnson to victory.

Public Safety United – into the Future

Our unprecedented coalition is not just about 2008 and the race for Mayor. In Sacramento, as in cities throughout California, we are struggling with significant budget shortfalls. In many cases, public safety staffing levels, wages and benefits are being blamed for the failure of elected officials to create sound economic policies. Our organization must create a new battle plan that combines sophisticated budget analysis, public relations, politics, and building coalitions with traditional and non-traditional allies.

We are working to keep our public safety coalition together for the battles ahead. We truly are all in this together.