Candidate for
Council Member; City of Fresno; Council District 2

Addressing the "P.R.E.P." Issues

In consultations with community leaders from all fields of endeavor and, since last August, in almost daily discussions with residents of District #2, I have gathered information about the issues most frequently raised into what I describe as a "P.R.E.P. reminder list" for today and the future.

PUBLIC SAFETY - Our growing city, now approaching 500,000 people, demands continual upgrading of our law enforcement and fire protection resources. Whenever possible and financially prudent, we should strive to improve cooperation and integration of our public safety personnel and facilities with those of the county and neighboring cities to...fight crime, suppress gang activity, enforce traffic safety...and maximize our collective fire fighting capabilities, both for public safety and to minimize our insurance rates. We also must upgrade outreach efforts to increase public safety awareness. I will seek ways in the budgetary process to achieve these goals without raising taxes.

RESPONSIVE REPRESENTATION - Fresno is divided into seven (7) geographic Council Districts to provide residents with better linkage to the decision making process at City Hall. My primary goal is to provide an effective and transparent bridge between District #2 and the Council while pursuing methods to improve fundamental services, such as landscape and neighborhood care, street maintenance and traffic mitigation. I pledge to serve "full-time" and, in addition to maintaining an open door policy at City Hall, devote the time necessary to communicate with the community, work constructively with all elected officials and, most importantly, stay informed and be responsive to the concerns of District #2.

ECONOMIC SECURITY & JOB DEVELOPMENT - I believe we must practice fiscal responsibility, avoid deficit spending, and establish "financial reserve" policies to minimize negative economic cycles. Promoting workforce development, creating quality jobs, and diversifying our economy are also integral to accomplishing these goals and will help reduce Fresno's poverty and unemployment rates. Fresno has an outstanding entrepreneurial spirit that must flourish. We have unlimited potential to enhance that spirit, create new fields of career oriented education, and to expand existing clusters of business growth. I support efforts at local business incubators, the Regional Jobs Initiative, the Chamber of Commerce and other entities, both public and private, that are creatively pursuing new business and job development strategies to retain local talent and attract new talent with sustainable economic opportunities. The City Council can play a major role by actively encouraging these efforts, promoting pro-economic development policies, expanding grant-writing expertise, and by emulating activities proven successful in other forward thinking cities.

PLANNING FOR TOMORROW, TODAY - Consistent with Fresno's 2025 General Plan and best fiscal practices, I support: investing in vital infrastructure; mitigating urban sprawl; revitalizing neighborhoods; protecting ag-land, green space, and water resources; developing downtown prudently; improving air quality; promoting city/county and city/school district cooperation; implementing green technologies; helping establish a valley medical school; enhancing cultural arts; and, most of all, practicing fiscal responsibility. I believe we can improve our quality of life, inspire our youth to stay in Fresno and attract new talent. By planning for tomorrow we can accelerate Fresno's potential, today.

"Identifying" issues is one thing. Finding fiscally sound solutions and consensus among well meaning elected officials, city staff, and those impacted by Council decisions requires reasoning, patience and, most importantly, the backing of an informed citizenry. I pledge to keep you informed and be a responsive representative for District #2 at City Hall.

-Andreas Borgeas