|
|
 |
In the Black
Newsletter
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The Best Mayoral Candidate for Fresno's Black Community- Innie, Minnie, Miney, Moe
|
There are many choices when it comes to the next Fresno mayor- eleven to be exact. This is turning out to be highest funded mayoral campaigning Fresno's history exceeding $1 million. Yet, there hasn't been much media attention paid to the race given the weight of the democratic primary contest between Senators Clinton and Obama (this should end on Tuesday as most anticipate Obama securing the needed delegate count after the last two primaries). In my conversation with voters, many plan are determining their votes on name recognition or the personal experiences with the councilmember candidates.
Given the variety of candidates, one would think there would be polarized constituencies heavily in favor one candidate over the other. Other than Henry T. Perea's strong union support, I haven't seen much. This may be the result of anticipated low voter turn out or the agreement from many of the candidates on what are core concerns facing this city. I haven't witnessed any particular issue that really sets apart mayoral hopefuls from their peers. All are big on reducing gang activity, increasing jobs, and revitalizing downtown.
The Fresno Works for Better Health Advocacy Center, one of several community groups that have held forums or asked candidates to fill out position questionnaires, centered their questions on concentrated poverty and dealing with issue pertaining to the city's urban core. On next Thursday, June 12th, they will hold a free public mayoral forum at the Saroyan Theatre with the two run-off candidates moderated by Professor Manual Pastor, director of the Program for Environmental and Regional Equity at USC who acted in a similar role at the 2006 Worlds Apart, Futures Together Summit. You can read the responses of the mayoral candidates who responded to a series of questions put out this spring from affordable housing and homeliness to economic development and concentrated poverty at the website of the Fresno League of Women Voters who is a partnering organizations of the forum.
Unfortunately, only one of the candidates historically has had a strong presence in the African-American community- Barbara Hunt. But as demonstrated at the national level, being black doesn't guarantee the support of black voters. In the past few months, many candidates have increased their visibility at south Fresno activities including bumping up their attendance at black churches. There was a starch difference between the two polled front-runners as they campaigned in the last days before the Primary election. While Ashley Swearengin was walking in northwest Fresno on Sunday morning, Councilmember Henry T. Perea spoke with Councilmember Cynthia Sterling at Saint Rest Baptist Church, the largest black congregation in Fresno.
Most importantly, none of this matters if you don't vote. Polls are open from 7 AM-8 PM. Don't miss out on this opportunity to exercise your civic duty.
A voter since '96,
Tate Hill
Editor
For a last minute check of the candidates positions there are several resources:
KSEE 24
KSFN 30
Smart Voter/ League of Women' Voters
Central Valley Progressive PAC
|
The Best of Black Fresno Survey- Release in June 20th
|
The results of the survey will be released on June 20th during a series of discussions around Juneteenth hosted by the San Joaquin Historcial & Cultural African American Musuem. The results will be part of the discussion on the state of the black community along with other areas of interest starting June 13th.
The survey will be avaibale until the end of the week-- June 8. Cast your opinion today!
|
Listen in to Valley Black Talk - 88.1 FM
|
 Valley Black Talk - Every Monday at 8 PM.
Listen every Monday between 8-10 PM as Valley Black Talk discusses education, economics, criminal justice and community issues from an African-American perspective.
Co-host: Tate Hill, Jean Kennedy, Julia Dudley- Najeib, and Mel Sanders.
Listener call-in number is (559) 266-8888.
Download or play the program from Radio Blog Talk.
|
Worlds Apart, Futures Together Mayoral Summit
|
|
|
|
|
Food for Thought:
And I come by here to say that America too is going to Hell, if we
don't use her wealth. If America does not use her vast resources of
wealth to end poverty, to make it possible for all of God's children to
have the basic necessities of life, she too will go to Hell.
|
| In the Black, a publication of the Urban Knowledge Blog
Disclaimer: This is an editorial publication. The comments above are solely of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views or ideologies of any organization or person outside of Urban Knowledge. If there is a numerical or factual error, please inform us and we will publicly rectify it via email. Comments received may be republished, unless you indicate otherwise, for the betterment of other readers. Thank You. |
|
|
