SN&R ; Columns; Bites; Overqualified, underfunded; 10.29.09
The election is still eight months away, but contestants in the 5th Sacramento City Council District are already facing off at a candidate forum in the Florin Road Bingo hall tonight, Thursday, October 29. The 5th includes Curtis Park, Hollywood Park, Oak Park and a lot of other parks besides. It’s a crowded field full of interesting and smart candidates—all vying to replace Councilwoman Lauren Hammond, who is giving up her seat to run for the state Assembly.
The field shows why Sacramento’s campaign finance laws are completely broken.
The race is being dominated early by two pretty well-connected guys—school board member Patrick Kennedy and former school board member Jay Schenirer. Each has a long list of endorsers and donors, and they’ve basically divvied up Sacramento’s political establishment. For example, Kennedy boasts endorsements from Councilwomen Bonnie Pannell and Sandy Sheedy, along with heavy labor support. Schenirer is getting the nod from Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, and most observers expect him to win the endorsement of Mayor Kevin Johnson.
The election is still eight months away, but contestants in the 5th Sacramento City Council District are already facing off at a candidate forum in the Florin Road Bingo hall tonight, Thursday, October 29. The 5th includes Curtis Park, Hollywood Park, Oak Park and a lot of other parks besides. It’s a crowded field full of interesting and smart candidates—all vying to replace Councilwoman Lauren Hammond, who is giving up her seat to run for the state Assembly.
The field shows why Sacramento’s campaign finance laws are completely broken.
The race is being dominated early by two pretty well-connected guys—school board member Patrick Kennedy and former school board member Jay Schenirer. Each has a long list of endorsers and donors, and they’ve basically divvied up Sacramento’s political establishment. For example, Kennedy boasts endorsements from Councilwomen Bonnie Pannell and Sandy Sheedy, along with heavy labor support. Schenirer is getting the nod from Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, and most observers expect him to win the endorsement of Mayor Kevin Johnson.