November 2008
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Vol 3, Issue 11
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In the Black
Newsletter
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| Greetings! |
On the day before we embark on a historical election, there is a certain uneasiness in the air. People are either excited or exhausted about one of the longest election cycles ever. Over the last 21 months, we've had the opportunity to evaluate both presidential candidates, their views, backgrounds, running partners, spiritual mentors, medical history and even what's on their iPods. Personally, I can't see how anyone could still be undecided-- maybe some just don't like making decisions (like your friend who has takes 20 minutes to decide what they want at the restaurant though they have been there hundreds of times before).
I believe the choice is clear: Senator Obama is the best candidate for president of the United States. His priorities of dealing with the economy (both the credit and housing markets), energy policy and national security are just what we need to move our country forward.
Likewise, I also believe Councilmember Henry T. Perea is the best qualified to be Fresno's next mayor. Perea brings a combination of local and statewide partnerships from several regional mayors, local legislators and State Attorney General Jerry Brown to labor, law enforcement, nurses, and teachers with a history of working with urban and ethnic communities. As a member of the Fresno City Council he has supported West Fresno and low-incomes communities through his vote for the West Fresno Leadership Academy, authoring the No Neighborhood Left Behind that has brought millions of dollars of infrastructure into southwest Fresno, supporting the developing of housing people can afford in West Fresno and increasing EITC tax return efforts. In addition, Perea's campaign and endorsement echoes the ethnic and socio-economic diversity of our community, which is important for a mayor who will be challenged to represent the entire community and not just any one neighborhood, sector or interest group. Lastly, I have been impressed and surprised by his appeal to the younger generation. On more than one occasion, he was flocked teenagers and young voters after a debate or forum who wanted to ask questions and take pictures. Henry took the time to answer their questions, take pictures, and offer some encouraging words. These combined attributes are the characteristics that Fresno leadership needs.
Tate Hill II
Editor
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Election Recommendations
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US President
Sentaor Barack Obama
California Propositions
Prop 1A- YES
Prop 2- NO
Prop 3- YES
Prop 4- YES
Prop 5- YES
Prop 6- NO
Prop 7- NO
Prop 8- YES
Prop 9- YES
Prop 10- NO
Prop 11- NO
Prop 12- YES
Fresno Mayor
Henry T. Perea
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Election Day
Voter Protection
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Fresno Obama
(559) 916-2173
CA Democratic Party
(877) 321-VOTE (8683)
MALDEF
Language Assistance
(888) VEY VOTA
(888) 839-8682
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Perea leads In the Black Reader Poll
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As indicated by most of the polls to date, the Fresno mayoral race is very close between Councilmember Henry T. Perea and RJI Director, Ashley Swearingen. In a recent In the Black poll, voters were initially split 50/50 between both candidates but the poll is leaning towards Perea. Both candidates have gone on the attack as we sprawl closer to election day. In addition, they are both spending a considerable amount of money on TV ads.
Read up on both of the candidates and their plans/polices to lead Fresno:
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Valley Black Talk Pre-Election Day Special
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Valley Black Talk- KFCF 88.1 FM
TONIGHT, 8-10 PM
The place for African-American perspective, dialogue and culture in the Central Valley.
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| Endorsements: A Blessing or a Curse? |
Swearingen received a boost last week with an endorsement from Mayor Alan Autry and recently from a consortium of former Chamber presidents. Perea too has racked up a number of local and statewide supporters from CA Attorney General Jerry Brown, US Senators Feinstein and Boxer, State Senator Dean Florez to a number of neighboring mayors. But there have been a number of Fresno Bee articles questioning support and contributions from 'special interest group'. In addition, Perea has gathered a number of endorsements and contributions from the Fresno Chamber, various law enforcement groups and organized labor. It demonstrates a diversity of support within the community but comes with questions of whether he would be beholden to these groups in exchange for their campaign support. Likewise, Swearingen is strongly backed by the business community that would leave little excuse for not turning around the economy with such a powerful partnership with the mayor. Its begs the question whether endorsements and everything that comes with them are a blessing or curse?
Blessing
(1) Creditability. Endorsements provide additional creditability to candidates, especially when they aren't well known in a particular community. It's also a great way to find out who will be the type of people the candidate will consult with and/or they will be influenced by during their term.
(2) Money! While candidates appreciate the creditability the endorsement brings, its even sweeter when it's accompanied by campaign contributions. In some cases, the money aides the campaign in way of a third party expenditures, which don't have the contribution limitations that individuals and PACs (political action committees) are set at.
Curse
(1) Endorsements usually are a transaction of an exchange-money or resources for political influence. Some believe that these groups have unnecessary access to the elected official who only act on the behalf of their interest. It arguable that we all are a part of some 'interest group' through our profession, religious beliefs or other values we have that vies to influence policy on our behalf.
(2) Ties to 'outside monies'. These are monies outside of the candidate's direct campaign that spent on behalf of them. In some cases, they can be contributions given directly to the campaign but from groups outside the scope of seat's district.
Candidates have to weight the good and bad of endorsements and determine whether it's worth it. Similarly, voters need to assess if endorsements influence their perception of the candidate, what they stand and who they will represent while in office.
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Fresno Mayoral Endorsements from the African-American Community
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 Henry T. Perea List:
Black Women for Organized Political Action (BWOPA)
Councilmember Cynthia Sterling
Mary Curry
Tate Hill II
Pastor Shane Scott
Pastor Michael Eans
Kimberly Jackson
 Ashley Swearingen List:
Joe Williams
Richard Keyes
Dr. Ed Mosley
Jamaica Wilson
Gwen Morris
Veda Ramsay Stamps
Bishop Charles Dickerson
Brian King
George Roberson
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The 2008 Best of Black Fresno survey
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This past spring, In the Black conducted
a survey administered by Constant Contact to its over 230 readers in a
desire to gain an African-American perspective on leadership, civic
participation, business and local market preferences. The survey
entailed a series of questions asking participants to rate the
performance, effectiveness and satisfaction with individuals,
organizations and agencies in the Fresno. While some of the answers
were expected, there were some surprises results.
Go to Urban Knowledge Blog for full results.
Do you have an opinion? Email us at urbanknowledgeblog@gmail.com and let us know your thoughts.
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| The final fear factors of a failing future |
In the last few weeks, we have seen the McCain-Palin campaign continuously blunder over the economy, the housing crisis and on their energy policy. In addition, the focus of their rallies have not been around any of these core issues rather on divisiveness that demonstrates the campaign's inability to deliver a clear message that resonates with the American people.
During the GOTV (Get Out The Vote) weekend, its no surprise that we are being bombarded with negative advertisements and talking points from the McCain camp what is trying to tie Obama to socialism, communism, anti-Americanism or any "ism" that may play to the fears of middle and working class white Americans. Obama has responded by raising record breaking $150M in the month of September, which fueled his campaign's ability to flood the air waves with commercial along with a unprecedented 30-minute program on several network and cable stations. And it seems that McCain's effort have been futile as Obama maintains a steady lead in all the polls to date. This is despite that fact that energy and the economy crisis- the drivers for many undecided, wary Democrats and even some Republican voters moving over to Obama- have improved over the last 60 days as gas prices are down to $2.50/gal, Wall Street has seen significant gains, and the Feds cutting interest rates.
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Looking for In the Black Writers
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 Do you have something to say? Are you passionate about a particular subject? Have you said, "they need to write to
about ..."? Well, here's your chance!
In the Black is looking for other Issue writers, opinion editorals, and reviews of local restaurants, shops and entertainment venues from a black prospective.
College students are especially welcomed to inquire.
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Food for Thought:
There
is a class of colored people who make a business of keeping the
troubles, the wrongs, and the hardships of the Negro race before the
public. Some of these people do not want the Negro to lose his
grievances, because they do not want to lose their jobs. There is a
certain class of race-problem solvers who don't want the patient to get
well.
Booker T. Washington
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| 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 Blog or In the Black. If there is a numerical or factual error, please inform us and we will publicly rectify it via email. Comments received may be republished for the betterment of other readers, unless you indicate otherwise. Thank You. |
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