Now that Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer has decided not to run for Fresno's top political job, next year's mayoral race is wide open, and that may be its biggest problem. There are no candidates who can command the field or the voters' interest right now. But that will change as more candidates get into the race.
You may think it's still early, but it's not. Sure, the primary election is in June, but we're entering November and that means the holidays are almost upon us. The holiday season will put politics on hold until after Jan. 1, and the next thing you know we're being slammed by 30-second TV ads.
Running for the mayor of Fresno isn't as simple as putting your name on the ballot and waiting for the votes to roll in. This is the highest-profile local office, and that means it will be very competitive. No one -- at least no one in the current field -- is going to coast to victory. It will take a top-notch organization, lots of money and hard work to win.
Only someone with the rock-star quality of Dyer could carry the field without much effort. But Dyer is out and that puts next year's mayoral election up in the air -- at least for those of us who like handicapping such things.
So where does the campaign to succeed Alan Autry stand so far?
Councilman Henry T. Perea is on the verge of announcing his candidacy for mayor, and Council Members Jerry Duncan and Mike Dages, and former Council Member Tom Boyajian have already announced. The candidate who'll probably run as the outsider is Ashley Swearengin, chief operating officer for the Regional Jobs Initiative. She isn't in the race yet, but is expected to get in soon. She'd better if she's serious about winning.
There have been others mentioned as possible candidates, but they took a pass. They include former Mayor Jim Patterson, retired Fresno County Schools Superintendent Pete Mehas, Al Smith of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and Steve Geil, president of the Fresno County Economic Development Corp.
So let's assess the chances of the candidates who appear to be running. Perea, Duncan and Swearengin are in the first tier. Dages and Boyajian haven't shown anything to indicate that they can get out of the second tier.
If a big name doesn't enter the race, Perea, Duncan and Swearengin will be battling in June for the two spots in the November runoff election. I'd give the edge to Perea and Swearengin, although that's assuming that the politically unproven Swearengin can transition to the world of politics. Duncan could surprise because he will be well-financed, and is a goal-oriented candidate who understands the importance of building a strong organization. He also represents District 6 in northeast Fresno. That part of the city has a much higher voter turnout than other parts of Fresno. Perea will benefit from the "Perea machine" of his organization and that of his father, Fresno County Supervisor Henry Perea.
I have not heard of any "big-name" candidates who are interested in running, but you never know. Former Assembly Member Sarah Reyes has toyed with the idea. She'd be in the first tier, but would not immediately dominate the field in the way Dyer would. Former State Sen. Chuck Poochigian would have to move into the city to run, and that is complicated by his wife, Debbie, running for Fresno County supervisor in District 5.
One longshot candidate is Jeff Eben of Clovis. Autry appointed him deputy mayor in May. Eben also would have to move into Fresno to run.
How about Donald Trump? Or better yet, Ivanka? She could move into one of those houses they're going to be building in Running Horse.
I think someone from outside the city council or county supervisors is necessary. Nothing noteworthy or inspiring has come from that bunch.Why is it so difficult to find people that really lead and are inspiring in the public sector?
Who is to decide whether it is a "big name" or not?
I believe the person has to have a track record for getting things done in politics.
Forget those people who can not work well with others. Mayor's job needs business sense as well as a track record for working with people. Otherwise we have yet another example of our current situation.
I firmly agree with Rich and Brian. The election is months away and already the media is telling us who will win and who won't. Fresno has been in deep trouble because of the "Big Names" and we will continue our downward spiral until we elect someone that is a regular person that knows the trials and problems we ALL face every day. I am not trying to sound self serving, but as most of the readers and the people I have spoken to have agreed, we are fed up with the wealthy, big names ruining our great city and not putting the people first. I honestly don't know if there is even a way to get our community together and work towards voting for a regular person. We need to show the, "business as usual" politician's that we have had enough, we have made our choice and that choice is someone who will not spew out the same old rhetoric. I have won several local, state and national awards for public service and over the years, I have made a difference in the lives of others. After friends, family and organizations have asked me to run for mayor and months of deliberating whether or not our community will vote for someone who wants to help the people instead of himself or herself, I have actually decided to announce my candidacy for Mayor on November 26, 2007. Again, I don't want to sound self serving, but if you would take a look at my literature, I truly believe that you will stand with me, not behind me and I will work for the people. I am not rich. I don't have some professional and expensive website and my wife, who is a Teacher, and I print out own brochures. If you would like one, please contact Jim Boswell at jboswell@comcast.net and I can email, mail you one or even drop one off and discuss my plans for a greener, safer and secure Fresno. I have many easily obtainable and secure plans that will help THE PEOPLE of Fresno. I appreciate you taking the time to read this,
Jim Boswell
Whether a big names enters the race or not should not matter. Are we racing horses here? I believe we need someone who will be FOR the people and with that being said I ONLY see one choice so far and that is Jim Boswell.
There are some people who seem genuine and will usually show through in the end.
To say "money" and "alot of it" will be needed to win makes me realize how flawed even our local political system really is.
Why can't the vote be based on actual stances on topics instead of how big your pocket book is?
I dont think a candidates income should be a deciding factor at all. Now if they want to come in as a private party to invest in fresno then GREAT but not at the expense of the city and the residents themselves.