Fargo: Focused on results, not back-and-forth with Johnson campaign

Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo said she's focused on her campaign and a local ballot measure to create more funding for gang intervention, not responding to attacks from challenger Kevin Johnson's campaign.

"I tend to be direct, and I don't use a lot of spokespeople, unlike Kevin Johnson," Fargo said. "I'm not planning to spend a lot of time responding to his staff people."

Fargo was commenting on an e-mail press release sent late Thursday by Johnson campaign manager Steve Maviglio that questioned Fargo's use of the term "Summer of Change" in a letter to supporters, after Johnson used that slogan during the spring mayoral campaign.

Johnson, a Sacramento native and former NBA All-Star, is competing with seven-year incumbent Fargo in a Nov. 4 runoff election for the city's mayorship.

Fargo said she's been working on a Nov. 4 ballot initiative, that if, approved would add a quarter-cent sales tax in Sacramento with revenue going to gang intervention and prevention.

Johnson's campaign has noted that crime has risen in Sacramento during Fargo's tenure.

"I'm supporting a measure that might make a difference, rather than just talking about that," Fargo said.

EARLIER on PolitickerCA.com:

• Johnson campaign manager questions Fargo's choice of words