Perea says he'll make big changes at City Hall
Fresno mayoral candidate Henry T. Perea, a two-term council member, appeared on the Boren/McEwen political podcast and said the time for studying problems has past, and he will be ready on Day One to take action at City Hall. You can listen to Perea by clicking here.
His opponent in the November runoff for mayor, Ashley Swearengin, appeared on our podcast last week and laid out her vision for mayor. You can listen to that interview by clicking here.
Perea, like Swearengin, has promised to speed up the permitting process at City Hall. But he said if the city staff doesn't solve that problem, he'll be getting rid of people unable to make the changes he demands. For as long as I've been a journalist in this town, City Hall has been promsing to fix this problem. But for more than three decades, those dealing with the city bureaucracy say little has improved.
By the way, both Perea and Swearengin have agreed to a 60-minute debate on the Boren/McEwen political podcast. We'll hold it next month and we are working with both candidates to schedule a time for this encounter. Details to come.
Comments
I think Perea will have more leverage then Swearengin to get things done in City Hall.
If I recall correctly, Swearengin casted herself as someone who is not an "insider" in City politics. An arguement can be made that it is not a benifit to be an "outsider" in City politics.
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As with any candidate running for office, we need to hold them accountable to the lists of promises when elected.
Posted by: Rich | July 22, 2008 8:06 AM
Perea has a history of dodging problems - simple ones like addressing (seriously) the problems caused by leaf blowers, saying he can do nothing about it and is too busy with the upcoming election to tackle the problem. I say how can we believe he will tackle the citizens' concerns when he has this attitude? I am voting for Swearingen who, in my opinion, is more open and receptive to understanding and responding to the needs and concerns of this entire diverse community.
Posted by: Joyce Bjerk | July 22, 2008 4:47 PM
With a comb in one hand and a toy in the other, the not so clever current DWARF councilperson, hopes to get elected mayor to continue his march forward to Washington.
Perea makes a lot of promises that he will not keep, and not changing the 'business as usual' rot at City Hall is right at the top. DWARF Perea has sat on city council and allowed the business of the city to stall. Perea has no clue about Downtown, neighborhoods or leadership. He is smart enough to stay clear of roads and communities that need help from City Hall, Perea knows where the votes are and they do not come from desperate road and neighborhoods.
DWARF Perea is another flickering lamp in the dull chandilier that is Fresno City Council. Elect this 'never had a job in private sector' person and can see the future for Fresno. Mayor'I want my toy' Perea wins local colouring book contest, judged best by DWARF Sterling who is serving on mayor's staff as 'make up specialist'.
Talk about a lamp turned on with no light burning, that is Perea and his vision of darkness he will bring to City Hall as mayor.
Posted by: RobDeFrees | July 23, 2008 4:46 AM
Ashley Swearengin for Mayor!
Posted by: redpeach | July 24, 2008 7:42 AM
Perea really is a mixed bag...he talks a lot about what he wants to do but yet many of those things he has not taken leadership on in the council.
I like the way that Swearengin has presented herself. She seems smart and articulate, I just hope that she does not back off on her promises and ideas when she gets into office.
Posted by: LisaNolin | July 24, 2008 4:33 PM