Brian Calhoun biography
I love Fresno and want to make it better. Local government is the means to accomplish community objectives. On December 31st, my term on the Fresno City Council will end. It has been an honor and a privilege serving the Fresno community for the past seven years and because I want to continue to serve Fresno and because I believe I can be a change agent and make a difference in County government, I have declared my candidacy for Fresno County Supervisor – District 2.
Fresno County government needs to move into the 21st Century. It operates with a 19th Century model and needs fundamental reform. I believe I am the person to do that.
What is your vision for the county? What should Fresno look like 10 years? In 20 years?
Our community needs to begin aggressively preparing for the future. We need to ask ourselves what kind of a community we want to leave to our children and grandchildren. We should dream the big dream and then work to make it happen. My promise as a candidate for County Supervisor is to protect that which is outstanding in Fresno County while making improvements where needed. Where possible and appropriate, we need to bridge the divide between the City and the County by consolidating services to end duplication, provide better constituent service and save taxpayer dollars.
What are the top three things the county needs to address, and how would you do it? (150 words or less):
My top three priorities, supported by my visits to 18,000 homes, are:
1) Governance – to reorganize County government so it is more efficient and effective. I would do this by establishing a commission that would consider consolidation issues, an elected County Executive, and term limits. There needs to be a system of checks and balances in County
government.
2) Budget – There is a critical need for public budget transparency that does not currently exist. A mid-year budget status report should be given to the public. There has been woeful oversight by the Supervisors of the budget leading to our present crisis. Fresno County needs the strength of an elected County Executive to ensure the viability of the budgeting process.
3) Air Quality - I strongly support the city-initiated 2050 Metro Loop Transportation Proposal (includes dedicated agricultural land, parks, housing, commercial and industrial
development). This visionary plan will lessen miles driven as the population grows and will significantly reduce air pollution. In 2002 I initiated the Fresno Clean Air Plan which has reduced City vehicle emissions by 6% over 3 years. This plan was renewed in 2006 for another 3 years to Brian
for County Supervisor I’m running! reduce City vehicle pollutants by an additional 5%. I will work to accomplish the same plan once on the County Board.