Luis Chavez does not take kindly to attacks on his political record and is defending himself from recent comments by two city council candidates.

In a recent GV Wire story, Fresno City Council District 5 candidates Jose Leon Barraza and Brandon Vang criticized Chavez, the former councilmember for the southeast area. Chavez is now a Fresno County Supervisor, and voters will decide March 18 on a new councilmember for the vacancy caused by Chavez.

Related Story: With Immigrant Backgrounds, Vang, Leon Barraza Seek Fresno Council Seat

Vang is a Sanger Unified trustee. Leon Barraza is CEO of the nonprofit Southeast Fresno Community Development Association and a member of the city’s parks commission.

Leon Barraza said Chavez was too busy running for supervisor, neglecting the district. Chavez said the claims made against him “are results of their failed records.”

“Both candidates have been unemployed for 10 years for a reason and constituents have a right to know why. They should answer that question for the voters,” Chavez said.

Leon Barraza said he retired from a position with Fresno County in 2009 after 34 years of service. Vang said he worked 10 years as a county probation officer before leaving to become a stay-at-home dad.

Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas, a Fresno Unified trustee, is also a candidate for the vacant city council seat. Chavez and Jonasson Rosas are a married couple.

Vang and Leon Barraza also criticized Jonasson Rosas for running for city council after winning a third term for trustee in November. Vang also won a third term for trustee, running unopposed.

Jonasson Rosas declined to be interviewed for GV Wire’s story about the candidates.

Chavez on Vang: ‘Neglect’ and ‘Outright Failure’

Chavez criticized Vang’s record as a Sanger Unified trustee, a position he’s held since 2016.

“Brandon Vang’s record as trustee is one of neglect, disregard and outright failure to represent our constituents. His lack of responsiveness on the special education (of) child(ren) in his district is a preview on how disconnected he is from our residents,” Chavez said, via text.

Chavez said Vang’s policy leave “vulnerable children … continuously bullied, ostracized and ignored as a result of his inaction.”

The supervisor also blamed Vang for the district not adequately responding to allegations of bullying of a Hmong student.

“We don’t need incompetent and neglectful people pretending to represent our community,” Chavez said.

Leon Barraza Is Credit Grabbing: Chavez

Chavez took issue with Leon Barraza claiming credit for a $9 million sports complex about to start construction in southeast Fresno.

“Barraza didn’t do a single thing to secure funding and (is) flat out lying to constituents. I secured the funding for that park and he needs to come clean and admit to his false claims of taking credit for something the community accomplished,” Chavez said.

A groundbreaking for the 49-acre park, on Peach Avenue north of Church Avenue, is scheduled for Wednesday morning. Federal pandemic relief funds will help pay for the facility.

Both Chavez and Leon Barraza attended a 2022 news conference with Mayor Jerry Dyer announcing the park.

Minutes for the Jan. 27, 2022 Fresno City Council meeting show Chavez introducing a resolution to make the park a priority for city funding. The record also shows Leon Barraza’s group  supporting the request. Leon Barraza started the push for the complex nearly 20 years ago.

Forum on February 20

GV Wire is hosting a forum, inviting the three leading candidates: Jonasson Rosas, Vang and Leon Barraza.

They have agreed to participate on February 20 at 6 p.m. The event will be carried live on CMAC, GV Wire’s social media pages, and archived afterward for viewing anytime.

Campaign Finance Update

After initially filing paperwork saying he would raise less than $2,000, Leon Barraza updated his records with the city. He reported raising $21,350 in the month of January. That includes a $10,000 loan from his wife, Elsa Leon.

A new filing from Jonasson Rosas shows nearly $70,000 raised in January alone, for a total of more than $76,000 reported through February 1.

Vang reported a total of $80,387 through February 1.

A fourth candidate in the race, Paul Condon, qualified and will be on the ballot. He filed paperwork stating he plans to raise less than $2,000.