Reality Check: Accountability in Action
“Reality Check” is a Bee series dedicated to exposing officials and organizations to scrutiny and highlighting their decisions. Should you have any tips, please reach out via email to realitycheck@sacbee.com.
Unexpected Competition in Sacramento City Council Race
At the outset of this year, the path seemed clear for former California Assemblyman Roger Dickinson to secure a position on the Sacramento City Council. However, Stephen Walton, a real estate professional and former basketball standout from Grant Union High School, managed to gather enough support in the March primary, necessitating a runoff. The upcoming contest is shaping up to be competitive.
Political Background of the District 2 Seat
The most recent elected representative for Sacramento’s District 2 was Sean Loloee. In January, Loloee resigned following criminal charges related to federal labor violations at his chain of grocery stores. Additionally, it was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Justice, subsequent to an investigative report by the Sacramento Bee, that Loloee resided in Granite Bay, far from the district. During this interim period, Shoun Thao has been serving in the position temporarily.
Restoring Trust and Revitalizing the Community
Both Dickinson and Walton have expressed their commitment to rebuilding trust with residents in City Hall and rejuvenating the area, particularly with housing and retail projects on Del Paso Boulevard, once a thriving corridor north of downtown.
Roger Dickinson’s Political Legacy
Roger Dickinson, aged 74, has been a resident of Woodlake, the most affluent area within the district, since the 1970s. His political career includes serving on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and the California State Assembly, where he primarily concentrated on issues impacting young people. Dickinson stepped away from politics about a decade ago, but he felt impelled to return after observing the actions of previous council members Allen Warren and Sean Loloee, both of whom he alleges were motivated by “personal economic” interests.
“I didn’t expect to run for office again, but what really triggered it was people came to me after Loloee and said, ‘We need help,’” Dickinson stated. “I saw the issues they were facing and realized I couldn’t just watch from the sidelines any longer.”
Stephen Walton: A Fresh Perspective
While both candidates align on several policies, Dickinson emphasizes his wealth of experience and network of connections. In contrast, Walton, who has never held elected office, views his inexperience as an asset.
Walton articulated his stance at a recent forum, stating, “With all those relationships, our neighborhood has remained unchanged for the past three decades. I’m not a career politician. I’m just a community advocate committed to serving our neighborhood. I’ll give everything I have for that cause.”
Walton’s Personal Connection to the District
Stephen Walton, 43, shares a deeply personal connection to the district, where he has numerous family members who recount stories of its past vibrancy predating his birth. Growing up in Del Paso Heights, Walton played basketball for Grant Union High School and later attended Morris Brown College on a basketball scholarship. This background fostered a dedication to revitalizing his childhood neighborhood.
After pursuing acting in Los Angeles and attempting to channel “LA capital to North Sacramento,” Walton returned to Sacramento in 2018 and settled in Old North Sacramento with his wife—a fellow realtor—and their newly born son.
“I want to experience the place my parents talked about, beyond just hearing stories,” Walton expressed, in relation to his desire to rejuvenate the boulevard and surrounding area.
Endorsements and Campaign Funding
Dickinson has secured endorsements from the Sacramento Central Labor Council, Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522, Sacramento Police Officers Association, Mayor Darrell Steinberg, alongside all council members except Rick Jennings. Meanwhile, Walton is backed by Jennings, Warren, Sacramento Sheriff Jim Cooper, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Apartment Association, and the Sacramento Realtors Association.
As of September 21, funding for Dickinson’s campaign reached $240,000, while Walton’s campaign amassed $166,614. Notably, these figures exclude contributions from independent expenditure committees.
Addressing Homelessness: Divergent Plans
Addressing one of the city’s critical issues, both candidates concur they oppose additional homeless shelters or Safe Grounds within the district, which is already home to the Roseville Road facility. City plans aim to double that shelter’s capacity using a state grant, with Dickinson in favor and Walton undecided. Both candidates oppose establishing a homeless site on a city-owned parcel at Eleanor and Traction Avenues, now free from contaminants, near the former Camp Resolution Safe Ground.
They agree shelters should open elsewhere in the city, although neither disclosed possible locations. A point of contention arises regarding criminal citations related to camping violations following pressure from Sacramento District Attorney Thien Ho.
Differing Views on Legal Measures for Homelessness
Dickinson opposes the issuance of citations, which often impose penalties exceeding $200 on homeless individuals.
“I don’t think simply criminalizing behavior is gonna make a meaningful change,” Dickinson argued. “People lacking homes and funds won’t adjust their behavior because they’re fined. Are we going to pursue warrants and incarcerate them as a housing solution? I don’t think so.”
In contrast, Walton, endorsed by Ho, supports allowing police the discretion to issue tickets, although not with the intent to criminalize homelessness.
“The city of Sacramento was not effectively addressing issues in my district, so my rationale supporting Ho’s lawsuit stemmed from neglect in District 2,” Walton stated. “I believe police should possess discretion, but the goal isn’t to criminalize homelessness.”
Stance on Police Budget Amid Budget Concerns
Regarding the divisive police budget, both candidates share similar opinions. Despite a predicted $77 million budget shortfall in the city, both advocate filling the approximately 100 vacant police officer positions.
“There are insufficient officers on patrol to deliver the services we currently need, and this is a significant issue across the district,” Walton remarked.
Echoing those sentiments, Dickinson noted, “We need more officers, and relying on mandatory overtime long-term is unsustainable as it leads to burnout.”
Currently, funds allocated for vacant positions are used to compensate officers for mandatory overtime, a practice with mixed support from the council over the past years.
Upcoming Election and Swearing-In
The election is slated for November 5, with the newly elected District 2 council member taking office on December 10. This date also marks the inauguration of a new mayor and Phil Pluckebaum as the midtown and downtown representative.