by David Taub

One day after advocates for Measure X, the $225 million Fresno Unified school bond, discussed their support, an opposing group had their say. Led by Fresno Unified school board member Brooke Ashjian, a group called Schools Not Scams reiterated the message “no blank checks.”

“I hope the district understands that. No blank checks…We want transparency, we want honesty,” Ashjian said.

Among the speakers at the news conference in front of Fresno Unified’s downtown headquarters included Ashjian, trustee Carol Mills, former trustee Michelle Asadoorian, county supervisor Andreas Borgeas, city councilman Steve Brandau, Lincoln Club member and conservative activist Tal Cloud, and California Charter Schools Association regional director Jeff Sands.

They were concerned about accountability, what projects the money would pay for and timing of the vote. Ashjian hammered home the fact that the FBI continues to investigate how contracts were awarded for the last approved school bond, Measure Q.