Johnson, White React to Davis' Clean Campaign' Idea

Elk Grove City Council District 4 candidates Jimmie Johnson and James White have issued responses to a pledge issued yesterday by incumbent Gary Davis dubbed the 'Elk Grove Clean Campaign Pledge.'

The pledge was issued already signed by Davis and he has urged his opponents to sign on.

Below in alphabetical order are the statements from Johnson and White:

Jimmie Johnson:

"I will gladly sign any pledge to run a clean campaign. Elk Grove has a history of political campaigns littered with rumors, factual untruths, and gossip concerning the candidates’ private lives. These have no place in a City Council campaign. The campaign should center on the issues, the policies the candidates support, and who is best suited to get Elk Grove back on track. I do not need a pledge to do the right thing and run a clean campaign – and neither should Gary Davis.

Like any challenger, my campaign will focus on 1) proposing new policies, a new vision, and a new direction for our town, and 2) debating whether the incumbent’s record is good enough to deserve re-election.

How my opponent has performed in office shows the voters how he would continue to perform if re-elected. An incumbent should be proud of his record, and willing to debate it without qualification. If Gary Davis’ pledge recognizes that the People of Elk Grove have a right to discuss his record, show me where to sign.

However, if Gary Davis believes that debating his past actions as a City Council member is somehow “dirty” or “disrespectful,” and his pledge is nothing more than a gambit to protect himself from having to defend his record, he is doing a disservice to the People of Elk Grove."

James White:

I do not plan on signing the pledge. Gary Davis said "Elk Grove residents aren't interested in political tricks", When Jimmie Johnson offered candidates to sign a pledge limiting contributions. Well, isn't this another "political trick"? I truly believe Elk Grove citizens really do need to hear what the candidates plan on for Elk Grove. Let's work together on building businesses, safer streets, and control spending at all levels. No more games!