Metro PAC, the independent political action committee of the Sacramento Metro Chamber—has endorsed candidate Kevin Johnson in the race for mayor of Sacramento.

“Sacramento is at a crossroads and requires a mayor now with a credible vision and leadership,” said Rick Fowler, chair of the Metro PAC board. “Throughout his life and especially over the last decade, Kevin Johnson has demonstrated a unique blend of vision, entrepreneurial spirit and strong leadership that will positively advance the city of Sacramento forward on key issues and catalytic projects.”

Last year, Metro PAC issued a call to the business community, asking leaders to step up and run for elected office, Fowler said. “We were looking for candidates from the business community who demonstrated big-picture thinking, political savvy, common-sense decision-making and a strong business sense.”

“Kevin Johnson is a business person who understands what it means to meet a payroll and deadlines. He understands economic development—as evidenced by the new businesses and jobs he helped create in Oak Park. There is a strong connection between a thriving business community and quality schools and neighborhoods.”

The Metro Chamber’s PAC joins other organizations in Sacramento—including labor and law enforcement groups—in endorsing Johnson.

“We stand with Sacramento Police Officers Association, Sacramento Builders Exchange, Sacramento Labor Council, United Food and Commercial Workers Union in support of Mr. Johnson,” Fowler said. “He clearly is a candidate with a vision for economic development that’s grounded in reality, experience and tested by time.”

Metro PAC, composed of volunteer business leaders, interview candidates for mayor last week and has issued endorsements for other races this season throughout the six-county region. Those endorsements can be viewed online at metrochamber.org.

Metro PAC was established in 1985 by the Metro Chamber Board of Directors, who believed that for the Metro Chamber to be an effective advocate on behalf of the Sacramento region's business community, it must employ a full spectrum public affairs and advocacy approach, including endorsing and financially supporting candidates for public office who support the Metro Chamber's mission of fostering regional economic prosperity.