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Mayor-Elect Dyer's Winning Reaction: Tears and Prayer
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 5 years ago on
March 12, 2020

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Jerry Dyer said he was humbled upon learning Wednesday that he clinched the Fresno mayoral race.
“When I found out the news today, I was in tears. The first thing I did do was fall on my knees and thank God for allowing me to become mayor of this city,” Dyer told the media at a news conference at City Hall.
After the latest round of election results was released earlier in the day, there were not enough votes remaining to reduce Dyer’s 51.8% share below the majority threshold needed to avoid a November runoff.
Second-place finisher Andrew Janz, with 39.9%, conceded the race in a call to Dyer and later on Twitter.

Homelessness Remains Top Priority

“When I found out the news today, I was in tears. The first thing I did do was fall on my knees and thank God for allowing me to become mayor of this city.” — Mayor-Elect Jerry Dyer
Mayor-elect Dyer said his top priority remains homelessness.
Adhering to what he discussed during his campaign, Dyer wants to enlarge current navigation centers — where multiple services would be at a single location. The homeless would than transition into bridge housing.
“When we centralize services to those individuals, I believe we will have a much better opportunity allowing them to be productive,” Dyer said.
During the campaign, three city councilmembers publicly objected to Dyer’s plan to enlarge those navigation centers in the downtown area. They felt such services should be spread throughout the city.

Dyer Will Have Say in New Police Chief

Dyer said he is in discussions with current Mayor Lee Brand to select a new police chief.
“I fully anticipate he’s going to initiate that process here in the next month or so. I will be part of that process. He’s asked me to be part of that process,” Dyer said.
Andy Hall succeeded Dyer as chief last October. However, Hall faces a mandatory retirement in the spring of 2021.
“I don’t think there is any police chief candidate in the country, let alone internally, who would take that position unless the incoming mayor is part of that decision-making process,” Dyer said.

Eight Month Transition

Dyer, who won’t take office until next January, said he will spend the time reviewing each department’s needs. That includes bringing in an outside consultant ahead of time to determine best business practices. Dyer said it will be paid for privately.
He will also reach out to all city council members, including Miguel Arias who campaigned against Dyer.
Dyer’s goal to reach out to council is to “unite this city and be able to do the things quite frankly the citizens of Fresno deserve. They do not deserve a divided relationship between the mayor and the council.”
Asked if he would retain the current City Hall administration, including City Manager Wilma Quan, Dyer said those decisions would be made at a later date.
“I want to build a team that has a can-do attitude, a team that is looking to gravitate toward yes,” Dyer said.

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
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

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