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How Fresno Sets Its Road Repair Priorities

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Fresno Mayor Lee Brand is hitting the reset button on how to distribute $12 million in SB 1 gas tax funds to repair local city roads.
Four council members, whose districts’ encompass south and central Fresno, vociferously objected to Brand’s original plan. Esmeralda Soria, Miguel Arias, Luis Chavez, and Nelson Esparza felt their dilapidated streets, lack of sidewalks, and history of neglect warranted a larger share of the spending.

Following their comments, councilmen Steve Brandau and Garry Bredefeld, representing north Fresno districts, objected to their colleagues’ objections. The called it “class warfare.”
After all the back-and-forth arguing, Brand pulled the vote from Thursday’s city council agenda.

How Brand Set Priorities

How did the city set its list of 50-plus projects in the first place? The answer can be found in this memo, written by public works director Scott Mozier.
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Brand says he will bring an updated plan to the council April 11.

What Does Caprioglio Think?

Every councilmember spoke about the plan publicly except for east-central representative Paul Caprioglio.
“I’m the strong silent type. I”m a below the radar guy,” he said about the debate.
He added he is optimistic the council and mayor will find a resolution.

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email