Sacramento – Remembering John Burton

John Burton was a distinctive figure in politics, one who seemed to emerge from a past era where compassion guided action. He dedicated his life to advocacy, often focusing on causes that may not have brought him personal gain but certainly resonated with his moral compass.

Burton’s constituency wasn’t wealthy or well-organized; they didn’t have the means to influence campaigns through donations or volunteering. Many felt isolated, perhaps too frail to even walk precincts. These were the people to whom Burton offered support, and he did so without a hint of seeking glory or recognition.

His decades of service in Sacramento remained unmatched; no one has quite stepped into his shoes. As a liberal from San Francisco, he often built bridges with political opponents to achieve his objectives, an instinct that seems rare in today’s polarized climate. Despite disagreements, he sought common ground—an approach that feels increasingly outdated in a world driven by divisive rhetoric.

Burton, in his own words, reflected on the necessity of working with those on the right: “Sometimes you have to give them something they want, especially if it doesn’t matter much to you.” Today, achieving bipartisan solutions appears to have become an uphill battle, with the current political landscape dominated by a singular party control.

Known for his brusque demeanor, Burton was often bold and unfiltered, much to the chagrin of those around him. While some might have been put off by his rudeness, many respected him for his honesty and forthrightness. His relationships in political circles showed a different side—a friendly, approachable man who truly cared about the people he represented.

A memorable moment recalled by longtime aide David Sebac involved Burton, then Senate Speaker Pro Tem, directing attention toward a severely disabled constituent armed with an outlandish packet of conspiracy theories. Where others might have disregarded him, Burton engaged and supported him, recognizing that he was the kind of individual who needed advocacy.

Burton passed away on September 7th in a hospice in San Francisco at the age of 92. The local news did well to highlight his contributions—how he shaped California’s political landscape over more than six decades, touching upon welfare, mental health, and a myriad of other issues.

His legacy also stemmed from his political lineage—his brother, Phil Burton, founded a powerful organization that helped launch the careers of many, including Nancy Pelosi and Kamala Harris. After stepping away from Congress in 1982 to tackle his own struggles with addiction, he returned in 1988 and rose to lead the Senate, eventually becoming the state Democratic chair.

Reflecting on my personal connection to Burton, I realized how much I had missed writing about him as he departed. I met him in 1964, just as he was being elected to Congress alongside Willie Brown. Both were astute in learning the ropes of power, securing influential positions in their own rights.

In his autobiography, Burton humorously noted that all you needed to succeed in politics was a nice view and a reliable assistant. He crafted a compelling narrative about his constituents living in squalor, underscoring the need for federal and state support. Throughout his career, he fiercely defended the poor against budget cuts, believing for many, the difference could mean life or death.

Burton’s humanitarian actions went beyond politics; he often took it upon himself to help the homeless directly, driven by the values instilled in him from a young age. He recounted his father, who offered assistance to families in need without hesitation.

Thanks to relentless advocates like Burton, countless people received the support they desperately needed.

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Until next week,
George Skeleton