SACRAMENTO —

Normally students come to the food court at Sac State’s Riverfront Center for their favorite snacks, but on the menu Monday — a serving of politics with Mayor Kevin Johnson as he campaigned to be a “strong mayor.”

“I’m thinking, ‘How do 29 other students know what the word euphemism means and I’m the only one that doesn’t?'” said Johnson as he dove right in to trying to relate to students by sharing his own struggles in the classroom.

And there was a lot of sharing by this mayor in campaign-mode, at what was billed as an hour-long town hall meeting with college students.

With his wife looking on, Kevin Johnson talked for about 30 minutes, about the vibrant place he’s trying to build for this generation of young people with events like the weekend’s Farm to Fork extravaganza, all before taking a few questions.

One student wanted to know about re-use of the Kings current Natomas home once demolition and construction is complete at the new arena site and they heard a strong promise for re-use.

A Sacramento State junior told FOX40 he hoped the mayor would address job growth unrelated to sports.

“There could be a focus on the tech sector because I’m a computer science major and it would be cool if we had more jobs here in Sacramento and not just the Bay Area,” said Edgar Jimenez.

But, after just four short Q/A exchanges about bike paths and small business development, KJ took control of the mic again, making his ballot push for young voters to make him a strong mayor.

“When I first heard it I was like ‘strong mayor,’ you wanna get more power? But when he explained it it made more sense to me,” said Brion Johnson, who’s about to start his graduate studies.

And that was Johnson’s whole point in bringing his message to campus.

“It does not make sense when young people ask me , ‘you don’t propose the budget. You’re not the one that does it? Who does it?’ And I say a city manager and it doesn’t equate,” Johnson said.

Power to be the last word on issues like the budget and public safety along with guaranteed independent budget analysis are why Johnson is fighting to be the “strong mayor” Measure L would create.

With 30 new groups and individuals announcing their opposition Monday to what they see as just a power grab, some say Johnson’s legacy maybe damaged at the polls in November.

The former NBA point guard seems unconcerned about that.

“When you play sports, you don’t take a shot that you don’t think is gonna go in, Johnson said.

A very confident Johnson also said he’s heavily considering a third run for office.