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Dyer, Janz and Smittcamp Meet. What Did They Talk About?

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It was hardly the kind of meeting that could be kept a secret.

Andrew Janz, who has announced he’s running for Fresno mayor, and police chief Jerry Dyer, who is “strongly considering” jumping in, met with Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp on Friday morning at the Patio Cafe in Fig Garden Village.

The topic?

The 2020 Fresno mayoral election.

Bringing Fresno Together

“The three of us had a productive conversation about the future of Fresno. I personally look forward to having more discussions with chief Dyer on how we can bring our community together,” said Janz, a deputy district attorney under Smittcamp.

Dyer agreed about the meeting’s positive, forward-looking tone.

“This morning, I had a great conversation with Andrew and district attorney Smittcamp about strengthening and uniting our city,” Dyer said. “I am hopeful today will kickstart many similar discussions ahead.”

As to Smittcamp’s role in the meeting, Janz said: “District attorney Smittcamp wanted to make sure the chief and I have open lines of communication. I reaffirmed my commitment to running a positive issues-oriented campaign.”

Smittcamp did not answer GV Wire’s request for comment before publication of this story.

Negative Message Starts Against Dyer

While Janz said he will run a clean campaign, Heather Greven, who managed his 2018 run against Rep. Devin Nunes, tweeted allegations this week lingering from Dyer’s past about an alleged inappropriate relationship with an underage girl.

Janz sent KSEE’s “Sunday Morning Matters” a statement, saying Greven does not work for him or his mayoral campaign.

Other Dyer critics have posted negative stories and allegations against him on Facebook and Twitter.

Dyer told GV Wire on Monday that he expects others to bring up his past.

“I’m well aware of the fact that those things could be brought up. It is my hope that should anyone wish to do that, that they would think carefully,” Dyer said. “The other thing is that people would focus on who I have been as a leader in this city for the past 18 years, not who I was 35-plus years ago.”

Mayoral Candidate Chavez: I’m ‘an Extreme Moderate’

After Mayor Lee Brand announced Monday that he would not seek re-election, Dyer quickly said he was interested in the job. He is scheduled to retire as chief in October.

City councilman Luis Chavez declared his intent to run the same day.

Chavez, spoke to Power Talk 96.7’s Trevor Carey on Thursday. Chavez said he is “an extreme moderate” — meaning he can work with anyone.

He advocated for more distribution centers to open in his southeast Fresno district.

Political analysts say that Brand’s exit from the race opens the door for more candidates to enter the race.

The primary is March 3. If no candidate wins a majority, the top two square off in a November 2020 runoff.

 

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