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Bredefeld Puts Patterson on Blast. Is He Dropping Clues About 2024?

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Fresno Councilman Garry Bredefeld targeted Assemblyman Jim Patterson during a recent radio program. (GV Wire/David Rodriguez)
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Garry Bredefeld says he is evaluating his electoral plans for 2024.

But, he seems to have found a target — Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno.

Photo of GV Wire's David Taub

David Taub

Politics 101

Last week on KMJ radio, Patterson — who is termed out of the Legislature in 2024 — said he is considering running for Fresno County supervisor in 2024.

Bredefeld, who is termed out in 2024 as a Fresno city councilman, bashed Patterson repeatedly during a Friday appearance on Power Talk radio. Among his comments:

— On Patterson announcing his 2024 intention: “This is a guy who has not been sworn in yet and he’s already looking for his next government check. And I find that pretty offensive.”

— On Patterson using the phrase “I’m coming home”: “The man lives up in a party boat in Sacramento and he comes home every week, but he’s, quote, coming home. I mean, this is a political phrase that he came up with, thinks it works.” Bredefeld said the phrase is something Vietnam veterans used when they came home from service. “It offended me for the veterans who struggled with coming home and not being received well.”

— On Patterson supporting Measure E, the proposed Fresno County sales tax for Fresno State that did not pass: “Instead of his doing his job to bring state money to the state university, he went and advocated for a tax that failed.”

— On Patterson’s appearance at a city news conference about PG&E: “This shouldn’t even have been an issue, because if he was doing his job in the Assembly, PG&E would be much better under control. There wouldn’t be a moratorium in the city of Fresno on its housing development, but he’s not doing his job.”

Bredefeld criticized Patterson regarding his pandemic response.

“He was nowhere to be found except on his party boat collecting a government check or state check. While people in my district, in his district, were losing their checks,” Bredefeld said.

Politics 101 is awaiting a response from Patterson.

Bredefeld did not indicate what office he may be considering. His top options would be Assembly, succeeding Patterson; or supervisor, where the two may run against each other.

 

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