John L. Sehon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

John L. Sehon (c. 1863–1913) was an American Democratic politician from California.

Sehon was born c. 1863 in Georgia. He served in the army as a Captain. Sehon was elected to the city council and set an independent course as a council member. In 1901 "anti-boss" mood with San Diego voters caused them to defeat the Republican candidate and elect retired Captain Sehon, of the Democratic and Independent coalition, as mayor of San Diego, California, which he served until 1905. This defeated the "City Boss" organization of Charles S. Hardy, a successful merchant and leader of the city's most powerful political organization ever.

During his campaign he emphasized the idea that the public owned the water supply and was a leader in a reform movement in his previous service in the city council. A controversy rose during the campaign about whether a retired army officer could legally run for a civil office. Just to make sure there wouldn't be a problem Capt. Sehon disappeared after being elected so court papers couldn't be served on him, and just before midnight when his term began he stole into the mayor's office and proclaimed himself mayor. Court proceedings took place after the fact, where the Superior Court decided against the mayor, but was overruled by the Court of Appeals and California Supreme Court.

While mayor, Sehon vetoed a proposal to give the Southern California Mountain Water Company a monopoly to supply water to San Diego. John D. Spreckels, of Spreckels Sugar Company, poured money into city council races to overturn the veto.

Later, Sehon was Superintendent of Police in the early 1910s. After a public campaign against prostitution by many prominent citizens, Sehon gave the order on November 1912 to close the "Stingaree District."