“You don’t need a city charter to know that education is the foundation of any community.”

It cannot take decades to resurrect, we must act immediately with purpose and enthusiasm to rebuild.

While it is true that we must seek value added industries like food processing plants and call center operations.

A natural disaster in one American city is a natural disaster in every American city, including Fresno and, for that matter, every city and small town in the San Joaquin Valley.

I am convinced that your Mayor must take the leadership role in education too.

We can no longer let the threat of an early frost send a chill of fear throughout a large portion of our workforce.

High tech companies that focus on research, development and production will learn that they can be the perfect complement to our world-renowned agriculture heritage.

All of the factors that make up a quality city – safe streets, high paying jobs, strong neighborhoods, etc. – emanate from a strong educational premise.

I support public and private partnerships whenever appropriate in order to achieve our goal of a prosperous and vibrant downtown.

We must do more to protect our neighborhoods and give integrity to our community plans.

I will lobby tirelessly in cooperation with other mayors around the country to insure that federal funding for our recently added police officers continues.

Leadership requires the courage to make decisions that will benefit the next generation.

I’ll continue to work to ensure that safety and I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the men and women who provide public safety in our city.

Fresno is an All America city and deserves real, honest, strong leadership and I pledge to the people of Fresno to be that kind of leader.

Leadership demands that we make tough choices.

There has been much talk referencing what I consider conceptual reports like the Landscape of Choice and documents created as a result of the Great Valley Center.

In fact, even the perception of a resurgence in crime can be enough to paralyze business momentum and destroy the sense of security that a vibrant and progressive city requires.

The people are the only legitimate fountain of power, and it is from them that the constitutional charter, under which the several branches of government hold their power, is derived.