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Veteran Clovis Councilmember Shakes up Election With Retirement News
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 3 years ago on
July 26, 2022

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The longest-serving councilmember in the city of Clovis will not for re-election in November, leaving the seat he’s served in since 1999.

“I think it’s time,” Jose Flores, currently serving in the mayor’s role, told Politics 101 of his 24 years in office. “That is enough, I think, for me giving back to my hometown and (to) allow for new blood, new ideas, someone younger that can carry on the torch.”

At the Clovis Mayor’s Breakfast in May, Flores said he planned to run.

“At that point, I thought I’d be running. But I’ve been pondering this along with my family and my wife since the last re-election,” Flores said.

Flores says he will remain police chief at State Center Community College District, saying he “still (has) a few years in me.”

Possible Contenders?

When Clovis voters cast ballots in November, they will now select at least two new councilmembers.

Incumbent Bob Whalen won an election for Fresno County Superior Court judge in June. He will also not be running for reelection.

Clovis still holds at-large elections. Voters can choose up to three candidates on the ballot. Incumbent Drew Bessinger filed for re-election; former police chief Matt Basgall has also filed to run.

Flores said he is endorsing Bessinger, but will wait to see who else runs. The filing period ends on August 17 since incumbents will not be running.

Other possible contenders include:

Diane Pearce, a local Republican Party leader, said she will make an announcement soon. She ran in 2021, finishing third with 35% — behind eventual winners Vong Mouanoutoua and Lynne Ashbeck. She said she wishes Flores well.

Political consultant Jim Verros says he is also considering a run. He was recently appointed to the city’s personnel commission.

Lynne Ashbeck remains the longest tenured councilmember, first elected in 2001. Bessinger and Mouanoutoua are next, winning their first elections in 2017.

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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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