It seemed as if every other person attending a Tuesday morning candidates forum was either running for office or already an elected official.

The Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation hosted the forum at Fort Washington Country Club, and an audience of about 200 heard from 13 candidates running for three offices.

Candidates running for Fresno County supervisor in districts 1 and 4 and for Fresno County superintendent had four minutes each to make their pitch. Most spent their time giving a brief biography.

One theme was common among most candidates — they came from immigrant families or had ties to agriculture.

County Superintendent

Michele Cantwell-Copher is running for re-election as Fresno County superintendent. She talked about the importance of safety in schools.

“That means physical barriers and management systems for visitors, as well as psychological safety. We need our children to feel safe, seen and welcome. We need anti-bullying programs and things like that,” Cantwell-Copher said.

Eimear O’Brien, the former Clovis Unified superintendent, said she was encouraged by colleagues and friends to enter the race.

“I have been making no apologies for having one major priority, and that is to get our kids reading,” O’Brien said.

Longtime educator Johnny Alvarado also talked about the importance of increasing reading scores, saying the results have been “faulty.”

Superintendents Punt on SEDA

Wednesday night, the Fresno Unified school district will consider opposing the city of Fresno’s plan to expand the city through the Southeast Development Area. The district is concerned the expansion would decrease FUSD enrollment.

After the forum, GV Wire asked the superintendent candidates about their positions. All three punted, declining to take a yes-or-no stance on SEDA.

Alvarado said getting “into a political campaign about this would not serve our students well.” He said he needs more time to research the issue.

Cantwell-Copher said her role is to educate.

“Land use and building design are not in my wheelhouse,” Cantwell-Copher said.

O’Brien said the superintendent’s office “needs to stay in our lane.” As Clovis Unified superintendent, she helped develop the Bradley Education Center, which would be in the heart of SEDA.

“I’m not seated, nor are any of the superintendents, at the city planning table,” O’Brien said.

Supervisor District 4

Incumbent Buddy Mendes is not running for re-election in the district that includes the southern end of the county. He is endorsing former Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims.

Mims talked about picking crops in the fields as a child and her motivation to return to politics. She served 16 years as sheriff and did not run for re-election in 2022.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than public service. I get so much more than I give, and I miss that. I miss people. I miss serving people and problem-solving,” Mims said.

Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran talked about her accomplishments leading her community. She also expressed frustration over a lack of county support.

“It’s time for change. We have been left behind for far too long,” Beltran said.

Huron Mayor Ray Leon talked about his love for the community and his background in organizing. His city is becoming the county’s leader in solar farming, he said.

Selma Unified Trustee Nick Sahota talked about immigrating to America and his pride in being a citizen. As a farmer, water is important, he said.

“Water is not a political issue in the Central Valley; it’s a survival issue. Without water, we lose farming. When farms disappear, jobs disappear. When jobs disappear, families leave. And when families leave, communities suffer,” Sahota said.

Supervisor District 1

Brian Pacheco is not running for re-election to represent District 1, which comprises the northwest portion of Fresno County. He is running for the state Assembly.

Six candidates for his supervisorial seat spoke at the forum.

Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi talked about helping small businesses.

“Every time you turn your head, there’s a new regulation, there’s a new insurance premium. Costs are skyrocketing. It’s very challenging for those in small business. You can feel that pain, and we feel it too,” Karbassi said.

Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco talked about the differences between her and the other candidates.

“They have plans to do a lot of work on the westside. I’ve already been doing the work on the westside,” Pacheco said. She said she has worked with other westside cities to advocate for transportation and education.

Eric Payne, a community advocate and former SCCCD trustee, talked about the needs of the westside, where capital and resources are often scarce.

“I know how important it is to be in a diverse community with a strong sense of love to build the resources people need,” Payne said.

Omar Hernandez, a staffer for Rep. Adam Gray, D-Merced and a West Hills Community College District trustee, said infrastructure needs to be fixed.

“No more Band-Aids for the westside. No more Band-Aids for our communities,” Hernandez said.

Felipe Perez, a Firebaugh city councilmember, was the youngest of 12 siblings and worked in the fields. He said the westside has needs.

“The people have the same needs — roads, sidewalks, water and clean air,” Perez said.

Mendota Unified Trustee Lupe Flores talked about water, calling it “a big issue.”

Other elected officials or candidates spotted at the forum included Fresno City Councilmember Nick Richardson, city council candidate A.J. Rassamni, congressional candidate Kyle Kirkland, state Assembly candidate Jim Polsgrove, judicial candidates Ashley Paulson and Jennifer L. Smith, and several mayors from Fresno County cities.

Who State Dems Endorsed

Annalisa Perea was one of several Fresno-area Democrats to receive the state party’s endorsement heading into the June 2 primary.

The state party made its endorsement picks last weekend at its convention in San Francisco.

Perea, a Fresno city councilmember, is running for Assembly District 31. She is facing fellow Democrat Sandra Celedon, CEO of Fresno Building Healthy Communities.

“The energy in the room was undeniable,” Perea, D-Fresno, said in a news release. “Californians are ready for leadership that listens, delivers results and brings people together.”

Current Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, D-Fresno, is running for the Fresno City Council.

Esmeralda Soria, D-Fresno, won the nod for state Senate District 14 over Sanger Councilmember Esmeralda Hurtado.

“This is the backbone of our state’s Democratic movement, shaping California’s future, and I’m proud to have their support,” Soria, the current Assemblymember for District 27, said in a statement.

Nelson Esparza, a Fresno city councilmember, received the party’s nod for the state Board of Equalization.

The party did not make an endorsement in Congressional District 22 between Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, D-Delano, a moderate, and progressive Visalia Unified Trustee Randy Villegas, D-Visalia.

Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, currently represents the district.

The party also could not come to a consensus on an endorsement for governor.