The Sports Informant

I don’t pretend to know much about politics. We have plenty of experts working for us to cover that base. But as an outside observer I’ve noticed one thing about Sacramento’s race for mayor (which concludes on Tuesday’s Election Day): Kevin Johnson is the man.

I can’t claim he’ll turn the city around financially or clean up our streets, but I can guarantee he’ll do one thing as mayor. Johnson will make Sacramento a celebrity hotspot.

He already has, really. During his race, Sacramento has had visits from Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson. Add KJ at the point and put Governor Schwarzenegger on the court as a bruiser and Sacramento’s got a starting five to rival any number of legendary teams.

In a city desperately needing a facelift, Johnson brings notoriety to town outside of the Capitol Building. Those of us who watch more Sportscenter than CSPAN can relate to KJ – although I’m not really sure what it’s like to be an NBA star and millionaire – as he’s not a career politician trained in selling himself. He’s learned how to do that now, of course, and it’s been evident in his campaign, but it’s his roots we can bank on. He was one of us.

Now, his presence shines a spotlight on the city not seen since Schwarzenegger came to town. While the Governator might not be the best example of political leadership, he did help put Sacramento back on the map, no matter how bad he butchered its pronunciation. That’s what I’m hoping KJ can do, too.

I met Kevin Johnson back in March at Arco Arena during the CIF High School Basketball State Championship. I approached him for an interview about Sacramento High School playing in the Division III championship game, a school Johnson helped reform through St. HOPE Academy. Before any real mudslinging and campaign festivities had begun, he talked to me like a proud father watching his son play (his kid was, of course, the whole high school, and no particular player). I felt a sense of pride beaming from Johnson, not because the team was battling for a state title, but because it was being watched by everyone in the state. Johnson was happy because these Sacramento kids, who might not have had such an opportunity otherwise, were getting all the praise and recognition they’ve always deserved.

And that’s what I’m hoping he does for all of Sacramento. I hope he loses sleep at night wondering how he can make this city get the recognition it deserves, and how to show all of California – and the nation – that Sacramento is a place to be proud of.

KJ doesn’t need my endorsement. He’s got a battalion behind him. But he needs my vote. If he can keep making Sacramento the place to be, he’s got it.