I offer my thoughts on the issues and problems that the next mayor will face in today's column in the Vision section of The Bee. I know I'm sounding grouchy, but I'm tired of big promises and small results from Fresno's leaders. I hope the next mayor has the ability to get things done.
The speculation is increasing for a possible mayoral bid by Police Chief Jerry Dyer, who has toyed with the idea of running for the past year or so. If he runs, he will be the favorite. If he wins, he would be able to pick his successor as police chief (through the city manager, of course). But Dyer has been in and out of this race so many times (at least in the pundits' minds) that the latest rumor may not hold up until Monday.
Council Members Henry T. Perea, Jerry Duncan and Mike Dages say they are running. Duncan is supposed to formally announce on Wednesday. Ashley Swearengin, chief operating officer of the Regional Jobs Initiative, is also rumored as a possible candidate. There's also a surprise name making the rounds -- Pete Mehas. The former Fresno County Schools superintendent is considering coming out of retirement to run.
With Mayor Alan Autry unable to seek a third term because of term limits and former Mayor Jim Patterson taking himself out of the race, the campaign for mayor is wide open. But if Dyer gets in, it closes down quickly. Most of the previously mentioned names would not run because of Dyer's perceived strength as a vote-getter.
I call for more decentralized power in local government.
I could'a sworn Craig Scharton was positioning...
I find it more than a little disturbing that Dyer is virtually being coronated for the office already, even though the public hasn't the foggiest idea of what his vision would be for the city, other than from a law enforcement perspective.
If we don't get a real choice between viable candidates putting forth their ideas on how to lead Fresno into the future, then maybe it's time to abandon this experiment with a "strong mayor" form of government.
Ashley Swearengin is the best of the lot - young, vibrant and definitely pro-business! Over the last few years I’ve been in several meetings where she was the speaker or in attendance and was always impressed. And believe me, in the political realm, I’m usually never impressed by anybody!
Police Chief Jerry Dyer would also be a good fit.
Both could be expected to be square-shooters - a rarity in politics.
A seat on the Fresno City "do-nothing" Council would seem to be a disqualifier.
Why would Dyer want his past to become a campaign issue? I realize Fresnans have this thing about "forgiving" scuzzballs who've "found Jesus," but do we really want someone with Dyer's history--especially sex with an underaged girl--as the next Mayor? It's bad enough he's the police chief!