As expected, Oak Park-raised and former NBA star Kevin Johnson officially announced his candidacy for mayor of Sacramento last week.

Johnson will challenge three-term incumbent Heather Fargo in the election that will take place on June 3, 2008.

Johnson, who is the CEO of St. Hope, revealed his decision at a news conference inside the Guild Theater in Oak Park in the presence of supporters, volunteers, curious factions, his grandmother, mother Georgia West, and younger brother Ronnie West.

"I can tell you that this is probably the biggest day of my life," Johnson said. "And I will tell you today that the decision has been difficult and I have done a lot of soul searching, but I have come to the unequivocal conclusion that I've got to do this. I believe we need a change in the city and I believe we need a change now. I'm here to announce my candidacy for mayor of Sacramento."

While other candidates are expected to file papers to run for the seat, Johnson appears to be a clear threat to Fargo. The former Phoenix Suns point guard - who was drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers - would also be the first African American to run the city if elected.

Allen Warren, CEO of New Faze Development, left his office in North Sacramento to attend the news conference. Warren, also a former professional athlete, said that Johnson could possibly make a difference in a city that has been hit hard with a declining real estate market and unemployment.

"This is about somebody who has a belief that he can do something," Warren said. "So for me, this is a very proud moment that I see somebody who grew up here and I know heart is in the right place to make this decision. I'm very hopeful that this will be the result of a better Sacramento."

Along the lines of a better Sacramento, Johnson said at his announcement that Sacramento citizens should expect more from its city government. He cited non-transparency, a lack of leadership, and failed efforts in providing a quality education for youth are hampering the development of the city.

"Right now, people see our city government as non-responsive, tired, uninspired, and bureaucratic," Johnson said. "That's not good enough for Sacramento or its residents. It's time to create a city that works for everyone."

Johnson didn't reveal his political platform that would give voters an insight and opportunity to fully hear why he is the best man for the job. Though he did provide a sketch of some of the issues he would like to address before retrieving input from the public.

"I will do my best to create an environment where people know our schools are the very best," Johnson said. "I will do my best to build a strong economy, attract businesses and jobs to this community like never before. I will make a commitment today to decrease crime in this community and put more sworn officers on the street because gang issues have to be something of the past - public safety has to be at the forefront of what we¹re doing. I will also make sure that our city government runs efficiently and responsive to its residents. We¹ve got to create an environment of transparency and its going to take some of you to shake it up a bit and I think I'm that person to do that."

Johnson's political journey won't be an easy ride or sell. He has been instrumental in transforming the failing Sacramento High School into a successful charter school, and developed the 40 Acres Art Gallery and Cultural Center, with a bookstore, lofts and Starbucks on the corner of 35th Street and Broadway. Many years ago, the area (that was once Oak Park's business district) was a haven for prostitution and drug activity.

But today, Johnson has been under fire for dilapidated properties he purchased and planned to develop. Johnson has responded by cleaning up some of the properties and he said at the news conference that he is planning to usher in a Fresh and Easy market in Oak Park.

The run for mayor is expected to be one of the toughest campaign for Johnson and Fargo since Brian Van Camp ran against incumbent Ann Rudin in 1987. Rudin came out victorious in the battle, a result Fargo wants as well. The day Johnson made his announcement, Fargo told KCRA 3 that the former NBA star had better be prepared to tell the public how his non-profit organization spent tax payers money in developing projects in Oak Park.

"He will need to open up his books and explain to taxpayers where all the money went in Oak Park," Fargo told a KCRA reporter. "He has a fair amount of back taxes owed. He has some liens on his property. He will have to clear that up."

As it is for all politicians, the challenges for Johnson will be plentiful and saturated with positive and negative aspects, said Sacramento County Sheriff's Deputy Henry Harry, who in the past has attempted to run for elected offices in the area.

"I think this is a great opportunity for Sacramento and I want to see somebody challenge the status quo, but go in for good fight and let us decide who's the best leader for Sacramento," Harry said.