What are the top three things the city needs to address, and how would you do it? (150 words or less):

            First of all we need to have a strong foundation within our economy. I believe that our number one responsibility should be to recruit environmental technologies including air, water, and solar to our city to not only create jobs but also, put us on the map for leading the state in environmental issues.... especially since we are already leading the nation and becoming known as an agriculture location leader. Secondly, we need to address the crime issue and make sure that our leaders within the law enforcement agencies have the backing of the city and financial resources to make sure that our community continually improves regarding safety and neighborhood wellness and strength. Lastly, our budget needs to be refined. Not to increase taxes but refine in a way, much like the old saying goes...an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. One prime example would be a mandatory Spay and Neuter Law for Fresno County . And finally we need an open line of communication for relaying information to within our district to meet the needs of the people!

Please tell us where you stand on these issues:

DOWNTOWN --

 Q -- Mayor Autry has supported various ideas to rejuvenate downtown, from a downtown river to a fountain district tying Fulton Mall to the Chinatown . Do you support any of Autry's ideas? What else should the city do to make downtown Fresno and the Fulton Mall more than just an 8-5 government center?

              I believe the city is on the right track with making the downtown area an arts and entertainment district. Free parking should be allowed after 5pm. There should also be a stimulus package put in place where grant monies are allocated that would boust residential revitalization and growth.

Q -- Should the city defray part of the costs for Forest City 's downtown redevelopment plans? If so, how much should the city be willing to invest to make that happen? Absolutely the city should give forest city a break. Additionally, we should everything we possibly can to get Donald Trump back in town. However, on the back end there would be some major commitments from these developers to improve our national status and once again a Destination Location...in the form of tourist attractions, educational touring events, etc.

GROWTH:

Q -- What should the city do to rejuvenate some of its aging -- and ailing -- neighborhoods? The city should allow grant monies that given a specific timeframe would allow private monies to revitalize homes and businesses at a substantial cost incentive and break.

Do you support large-scale "Running Horse"-style projects, smaller-scale efforts, or something else?  As long as it creates jobs and there is a need. I would support what our economy can provide.

Q. How would you prevent sprawl? Once again, if there is a need to sprawl...I would recommend the growth pattern as long as the need existed. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

Q – How would you generate more jobs? I would encourage our community to embrace agriculture and also define and recruit environmental technology companies to relocate to our area. 

PUBLIC SAFETY:

Q – Do you support the city's current approach to quash gangs? Do you favor changes to the city's current approach? What should be done, or done differently? I would continue to support the initiatives that our law enforcement agencies are currently working on. 

Q – Do you support or oppose an independent police auditor? Why? I would lean on our law enforcement agencies for a educated decision here.

PARKS:

Q – Should Fresno expand the amount of park and open space in the city? One thing that Fresno does have is parks. We just need to make sure they are kept up and in good working condition for our communities. If so, how? Where? How should it pay for it? If additional parks are needed the should be paid for from a development aspect and also maintained by an interest bearing account produced by developers.

CITY FINANCES:

Q –If city revenues decline, how should the city balance its budget? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Mandatory Spay and Neuter would be a good 1^st step. Would you cut services? Not initially. If so, which ones? Would you raise taxes NO, fees (NO)or charges (NO)? If so, which ones? Bottom line I would lean on District 6 to see what the needs of the community are.

PUBLIC UTILITIES:

Q -- Autry's administration has proposed shifting the city's public utilities into a separate municipal utility district. Do you support or oppose the idea? Why? Depending on the amount of information available it would depend on the overall financial picture.

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