fresno elections 2008

I am a proponent of adding more green space in downtown, a Fresno Central Park. This will spark interest in private investment and mesh our government center with outdoor activities. Can you imagine, having plenty of parking while having a picnic in the park, before attending a baseball game or a concert? I support exploring the many plans for various projects in the downtown area. Private investment is key to the success of any of these plans. As Mayor, I will work to make sure the city plays its role while protecting taxpayers and I do not support eminent domain for private developers.

Until I see the final version of the plan and its costs, it is premature for me to take position supporting or opposing the proposal by Forest City. Again, there needs to be a public and private partnership. The city should not risk the investment, if financial institutions (banks) are unwilling to do it themselves. Cooperation and the sharing of risk is the key to a successful downtown plan.

I believe small is beautiful. Projects like Running Horse are too complicated and run the risk of continuing to embarrass our community. I have a record of improving neighborhoods one street at a time and believe in holding homeowners responsible for keeping their neighborhood clean. We must all play our part by taking responsibility for our own home. I do use and will expand code enforcement to ensure our standards are followed because we shouldn’t let a few ruin it for all of us.

By following the General Plan. I will improve the relationship between the city of Clovis and the county of Fresno and protect vital agricultural land. I believe our current General Plan is working and is steering development appropriately. I am proponent of higher density incorporating where people can live, work, shop and play within walking distance.

First, help current local business owners to expand by offering tax incentives and redevelopment programs. Second, we must streamline our process at city hall and improve our speed of service. The number one complaint I receive from business owners is the delays at City Hall. Time is money to businesses and frustration is a destroyer of our reputation. We must raise our level of service and develop a “business friendly” status. Once the word is out, we will attract new businesses. As Mayor, I will personally pay them a visit, invite them to Fresno and help them in negotiations.

I fully support Chief Jerry Dyer and will retain him as Chief of Police. Gangs are our number one problem in Fresno. The recent Grand Jury reports approximately 24,000 gang members in our area. I will continue the gang suppression program and support the Chiefs idea’s to fight crime. In addition, a regional approach is needed and I will work with local community based organizations to prevent gangs from recruiting the youth of our community.

Oppose. I believe our police department has done a good job of dealing with issues internally and disciplinary policies have been appropriate. We don’t need to add more bureaucracy.

Yes. As already mentioned, I would like to see a “Central Park” concept in downtown and use the Redevelopment Agency to market the surrounding property for private investment. Also, I support regional parks in each corner of our city. As we grow and expand the regional parks would be developed and costs would be covered by new home, commercial and industrial developments.

Our city is facing tough economic times due to the national and state budget shortfalls and a decline in sales and property tax revenues. As Mayor, I will call for an immediate freeze of all city department personnel and eliminate some positions, like the deputy Mayor. Any savings would be held in reserve for public safety only. I will not raise taxes, however I will review the “fees for service” and consider adjusting those to help balance the budget. Finally, rates will be adjusted annually and I will not wait years and pass on a huge rate increase hurting the most vulnerable, seniors and the low-income families.

I oppose this idea. This is just another level of government, adding more bureaucracy and a tool to avoid making the tough decisions. The public elects us and we should be held responsible for our actions. We should have the political will to take on the tough issue of utility rates.

This is a simple formula. First, we must rid ourselves of gangs and crime. Once our reputation as a safe city is in place, businesses will consider locating in Fresno. Second, stop making embarrassing investment decisions. This will send a message to the “snake oil salesman” that want to take advantage of us to not consider Fresno a push over any longer. Finally, as Mayor I will tap into our greatest resource, our weather and our people. I want to make Fresno a worldwide destination for outdoor recreation, and the solar capital of the world.